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"This recording marks the debut of Patrice Williamson. Originally a student of classical flute at the University of Tennessee, Williamson was encouraged to sing and went on to study vocal jazz with Dominique Eade at the New England Conservatory. She was named "Best Jazz Vocalist" by Boston magazine in 1997 and has performed in Singapore as well. Williamson produced this album herself and has assembled a straight-ahead jazz backing with a trio joined on some numbers by Phil Grenadier’s trumpet. Her voice is strong and true, with a nice biut of huskiness. Her ability to swing is evidenced on two versions of the title cut, where she engages in some deft scat singing, as well as on Bud Powell’s "Wail." She shows she knows how to handle a ballad on "If You Could See Me Now" and "P.S. I Love You." There are interesting jazz versions of popular songs by Stevie Wonder and Anita Baker, as well as a take on fellow young jazz singer Carmen Lundy’s "Perfect Stranger." (There are, in fact, a few similarities in the sound of the two singers.) "Sayang" is her own composition. Patrice Williamson sings with technique and feeling in an auspicious beginning from singer we’re likely to hear more from."
–Michael Colby, |
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