CD-Charts Position 1
Average Rating:

Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration

by: Dianne Reeves, Patti Austin, Stevie Wonder, George Duke, Take 6, Al Jarreau

Release Date September 29, 1992
I don't listen to all the tracks on this recording, but I've all but worn out 8, 12 and the final track, the Halleluia Chorus. Stevie with Take 6 is masterful, as well as Al Jarreau on the all-star big band session. The one disapointment that kept me from giving it 5 stars was the recording quality. I wanted to use Why Do the Nations... with Jarreau to audition a pair of high-end stereo speakers in the store, and the band sounded like they were recorded in a shoe-box. Unfortunate for such great musicianship and arranging.

CD-Charts Position 2
Average Rating:

Very Best of Patti Austin: The Singles 1969-1986

by: Patti Austin

Release Date February 26, 2008
For the uninitiated, this collection may be a good place to start becoming familiar with and appreciating Patti Austin - I would have readily given it 5 stars if only more of Patti's work had been included. As it is, it is a good collection, but not stellar - something an artist of Patti's caliber truly deserved. There is nothing wrong with the quality of the recording, nor of the selection of the songs that are included, but there should have been so much more, in my opinion. Patti is an outstanding singer and her ability to effectively cover any musical genre is especially noteworthy, so where is "Talkin' 'Bout My Baby", "People In Love (Do the Strangest Things)", "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes", "Carry On" "How Can I Be Sure", just to name a few? ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 3
Average Rating:

Avant Gershwin

by: Patti Austin

Release Date March 06, 2007
"When you look at the body of work from the Gershwins, it is kind of frightening. It is like they were sent by God to drop off a package and send them back in another two hundred years to do something magnificent. We just scratched the surface of their body of work, and isn't that fascinating?" ~ Patti Austin, All About Jazz ~

Recorded live and released in March of 2007, "Avant Gershwin," won the "Best Vocal Jazz Album" at the recent 50th Annual Grammy Awards. Congratulations to Patti Austin and everyone involved in this great CD for a well-deserved recognition. I am a long-time fan of George and Ira Gershwin's music and lyrics and who could do more than justice to their ingenious works than a fine jazz singer and also one of my all-time favorites, ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 4
Average Rating:

for Ella

by: Patti Austin

Release Date May 21, 2002
Patti's tribute to Ella is an effort that will continue to play in my household for years to come. I don't know who she was up against for the grammy but my vote would have been this one hands down. She Austin-ized a few of the numbers yet maintains respect for the lyric. My favs are You Have To Swing It, How High The Moon, Honeysuckle Rose, Too Close For Comfort, Miss Otis Regrets, and Satin Doll. I bow down to this phenomenal woman who continues to amaze me and surprisingly gets better with time.

CD-Charts Position 5
Average Rating:

Intimate Patti Austin

by: Patti Austin

Release Date May 22, 2007
Patti Austin is undeniably one of the best and most incredibly talented songstresses of our time--unfortunately, she has never gotten the recognition or respect due an artist of her vocal greatness. This compilation focuses on the ever-beautiful Quiet Storm ballads she recorded for the Qwest, Warner Bros. and GRP labels from 1981-95. This is music that will warm and nourish the heart, soul and spirit from an artist who has never made a bad album. If you are tired of today's trite, uninspired and tune-less so-called "urban" R&B then you'll love this anthology of REAL MUSIC from a TRUE R&B and Jazz DIVA. Enjoy!

CD-Charts Position 6
Average Rating:

In & Out of Love

by: Patti Austin

Release Date October 13, 1998
Replacement for an old CD that had worn out! So obviously we knew what to expect and love it. Glad to have been able to replace it as it is now out of production in UK.

CD-Charts Position 7
Average Rating:

Carry On

by: Patti Austin

Release Date October 29, 1991
When I read this CD is produced by David Pack than I thougt it should have been a great CD... and it is! Moreover, the tracks written by David are the most beautiful (track 3 & 6) together with track 11. Track 1 & 7 are cover. Track 2 is written and produced by Rod Temperton. All the songs are well played by GRP musicians, featuring Greg Phillinganes, Nathan East and David Benoit.

CD-Charts Position 8
Average Rating:

That Secret Place

by: Patti Austin

Release Date May 10, 1994
What can I say that hasn't been said before and probably better. I've loved Patti Austin ever since I first heard her on Quincy's 'The Dude' and never been disappointed. I now finally have the means to build a collection of her music, and though I'm woefully behind "That Secret Place" and "For Ella" are two of my all-time favs.

She may not have great lung power, but what she's got is is a lyrical style that sets her apart and gets your head movin', feet tappin' and finger's snappin'. And if you're not giving the song 100% of your attention -- all that groovin' will eventually entice you into her world.

CD-Charts Position 9
Average Rating:

Patti Austin

by: Patti Austin

Release Date August 14, 2007
I bought the album when it first came out so I was amazed to find it on CD. I bought it at my first opportunity and I am not disappointed. It is a product of the '80s to be sure. I can tell especially from the cuts produced by Narada Michael Walden: Rhythm of the Street, Hot! In The Flames of Love and Starstruck. I like the urgency of "Rhythm of the Street". "Hot!" sounds like a retread but "Starstruck" really gets to me with those finger snaps before the downbeat. It brings up good memeories. "It's Gonna Be Special" is pure pop to me, but Patti makes it count. The other cuts don't impress me as much, but they are all eminently hummable. This is a solid representation of Patti Austin as pop diva.

CD-Charts Position 10
Average Rating:

Street of Dreams

by: Patti Austin

Release Date August 24, 1999
Patti Austin at her best! Wonderful selections; however, one (no, two) of the songs are worth the price of the entire CD - "I've Been Waiting For You" and "I'm Calling You" (theme from the movie, Baghdad Cafe). If I were getting married, I would have Patti's version of "I've Been Waiting For You" song at my wedding and played continuously during the reception. Ms. Austin is so underrated; what a fabulous voice. The music is fabulous as well.