PATRICE WILLIAMSON
Free to Dream (River Lily)

"We (first) reviewed Patrice's work (way back) in issue # 37...we were impressed then, but we're groovin' on it this time; talk about maturity...her husky tones are enough to turn (even) a monk on! This time around, th' cuts seem to be (all) originals. Her style is sweet vocal jazz supported by a sextet of hip players...Eric Byers on guitars, Jason Hunter doing soprano & tenor sax, Keala Kaumeheiwa on acoustic bass, Ron Savage on drums, Mark Shilansky doing piano & Kera Washington on percussion. This band is tight behind her well crafted lyrics & high energy/talent shines through like the sun on a blue sky day. All styles are pretty well represented...scat, ballad, even a taste of Latin rhythm ("Gentle Rain"). The changes are right on time, & amplify/elevate Ms. Williamson's vocals to good effect all the way through. No smooth jazz (tho' it is smooth, too) here...thanks to th' her spirit & soul, this is music that inspires...at th' very least, it'll have you tappin' your toes & at the heights, you/your mind will be dancing! Just superb jazz with explosive energy.. gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for listeners who want somethin' to groove to (wait til' you hear Patrice's flute...sweet, sweet)!"

–Rotcod Zzaj
Improvijazzation Nation

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