PATRICE WILLIAMSON
Free to Dream (River Lily)

Year: 2002
Style: Jazz Vocals
Tracks: "With a Song in My Heart," "The Gentle Rain," "Free to Dream."
Record Label Website: http://www.riverlily.com

Musicians: Patrice Williamson, vocals, leader, flute, composer. Eric Byers on acoustic and electric guitar. Jason Hunter on soprano & tenor saxophone. Keala Kaumeheiwa on acoustic bass. Ron Savage on drums. Mark Shilansky on piano. Kera Washington on percussion.


"Patrice Williamson has a lovely, warm voice, perfectly suited to jazz ballads. Born and reared in Memphis, she became accomplished as a performer on violin, piano, and flute while a teenager.

Free to Dream features Patrice Williamson in a showcase salute to her fine vocal gifts, and she makes such classics as "With a Song in My Heart" and "The Gentle Rain" come alive with new energy and sensitivity, making them perfect reflections for her sensitive voice. There are 13 selections plus a bonus selection titled "Close Your Eyes" (7:07 minutes). Some of the selections include Gershwin's "But Not for Me," the enchanting "The Sound of Music Suite," "Celia," "Alone Together," among others.

This is a top rate collection of jazz vocals by a young female vocalist bound to go far. It is Patrice Williamson at her best. Williamson has a group that follows her lead, and the solo work of the musicians is excellent. Mark Shilansky on piano and Keala Kaumeheiva give some outstanding and unique solo performances, and all musicians give the audience entertaining performances. This collection has one of the finest renditions of the Louis Bonfa/Matt Dubey song "The Gentle Rain" found anywhere in the past several years. Great sounds, great voice!"

–Lee Prosser
JazzReview.com


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