Review appearing in the Los Angeles Jazz Magazine
September 1, 2007
A high school teacher from Minnesota, Tim Patrick did not begin his singing career until 2004. After recording his first CD, mostly for his family, the recording found its way to pianist Joanne Grauer who, in addition to playing jazz, has worked as the pianist for Andy Williams, Michael Feinstein, the Lennons Sisters and the Osmonds. She was impressed by Patrick's strong voice, clear articulation and ability to always sing in-tune. Grauer, along with bassist Gary Douglas and drummer Bill Heise, serve as the rhythm section for Tim Patrick's second CD. The singer's renditions of the ten familiar standards are straightforward without
deviating from the words or the melody. The jazz content is supplied by Grauer, who also utilizes a string synthesizer, which unfortunately makes a few of the ensembles (particularly on "My Way" a little sappy.
One can certainly argue that such songs as "Fly Me To The Moon," "Moon River" and "My Funny Valentine" did not need to be revived yet again, but the joy and sincerity heard in Patrick's voice (especially on "On The Street Where You Live") compensates. His program
could have used a few more jazz-oriented pieces and a bit more variation in its tempos, but Tim Patrick shows throughout that he is a superior ballad singer. (available from www.timpatrickmusic.com)
Scott Yanow