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“I feel that people should get to know the artist through the music. It’s a form
of communication,” said the 26-year old, when asked to talk about his latest album.
“At some point it has to be on the level of knowing the person making the music. The
audience expects that sort of thing.”
Audiences will be pleased. Singer, songwriter and
producer, Patterson indulges his musical appetite and reaches beyond the boundaries of
popular music to arrive at his own a signature sound. That sound makes Love in Stereo both
unique and accessible. Patterson grew up listening to the music of Chaka Khan, Marvin Gaye
and Frankie Beverly and Maze, among others, and credits them with helping to shape his
musical vision.
“Well, it’s more than [just influence],” he said. “The Chakas, the
Marvins, the Frankie Beverlys…are our musical parents. Because like our birth
parents, we take their values and musically the same thing happens. It’s very strong.
And it’s the same kind of attachment that you have to your biological parents. People
hear the influences. It is the spirit of the same teacher. And then you hear our
generation and it takes you back to that original source,” he stated.
Prior to releasing his self-titled debut album in 1997, Patterson did session work with
other artists including jazz legend George Duke and pop singer Martika. He also
collaborated with producer Keith Crouch and wrote the best-selling single
“Baby,” by Brandy.
A prolific songwriter, Patterson wrote ten of the twelve songs on Love and Stereo and
served as one of the executive producers. Lyrically, the album covers a range of issues
such as domestic violence in "Treat You Like A Queen," desire in “Do You
Feel the Way I Do,” and lust with "The Moment." The soothing ballad
“It’s Alright Now” talks about love gone bad, while the deceptively sweet
sounding “Friend of Mine,” deals with having being betrayed by both a lover and
a friend.
On other songs, Patterson expresses an infectious joy on the big band infused “So
Right, ” or the sensual “Get Here.” On "The Day," Patterson is at
his most ecstatic. He sings with such passion and clarity, the song invigorates the
listener. “Sure Boy” can be described as Patterson’s signature tune, an
affirmative statement about being himself in the world.
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