CD/LP/Track Review
Patrice Williamson: Free To Dream (2002)
Williamson continues to build on the promise she showed on her first album, My Shining Hour as her smoky alto makes its way through a song filling it with warmth and a smooth flowing jazz sensibility. Add her compact sense of time, the ability to swing sweetly and this turns out to be a neat album.
Williamson rows down two streams; jazz and pop. She gives The Sound Of Music Suite a sweet pop disposition and then scurries into some lively jazz twists. The warmth of her voice stirs With A Song In My Heart into a beautifully passionate experience. She is also compelling in her interpretation of Luis Bonfa’s The Gentle Rain on which she articulates gently and with a becoming softness; the mood enhanced by the pattering of percussion, and gently flowing guitar and flute.
Of the songs she wrote, the title tune is jaunty and filled with hope and promise, while In The Loop finds her scatting with abandon pushed by piano and by the ministrations of the saxophone that give the vocals a burnished edge.
Track Listing: In The Loop; But Not For Me; Free To Dream; With A Song In My Heart; The Gentle Rain; U Don’t Know What You’re Missing; The Sound Of Music Suite; Alone Together; My Love Is; Love Me Or Leave Me; Celia; Another Star; Puttin’ On The Ritz; Close Your Eyes
Personnel: Patrice Williamson-vocals and flute; Eric Byers-acoustic and electric guitar; Jason Hunter-soprano and tenor saxophone; Keala Kaumeheiwa-acoustic bass; Ron Savage-drums; Mark Shilansky-piano; Kera Washington-percussion
Record Label: River Lily | Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream
