Produced by Patti Austin and Michael Abene (B.B. King, Dave Grusin, Liza Minnelli) Performed with the WDR Big Band Recorded at Kölner Philharmonie and Westfalenpark Dortmund, Germany

Tracklisting

Overture/Gershwin Medley (12:18):
Clap Your Hands
I Got Rhythm
Fascinating Rhythm
Slap That Bass
Clap Your Hands (reprise)
Strike Up the Band

I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise (6:14)

Who Cares (6:34)

Funny Face (4:01)

Love Walked In/Love is Sweeping the Country (5:35)

Swanee (5:13)

Porgy and Bess Medley (17:08)

Lady Be Good (6:51)

The full range of legendary singer Patti Austin’s talent shines in this jazz exploration of the genius of George Gershwin. Avant-Gershwin, Patti’s follow-up album to her Grammy nominated, For Ella, features unique vocal interpretations backed by progressive big band arrangements. The result is a captivating listen, a cinematic experience for the ears.

It is no surprise that the goddaughter of musical greats Quincy Jones and Dinah Washington would ignite these Gershwin classics with a style uniquely her own. With over 16 solo albums to her name, Austin’s legion of fans have followed her career for more than three decades. From her chart-topping and Oscar-nominated duets with James Ingram to her critically acclaimed work across the pop, R&B, jazz, and dance genres, Patti Austin’s inexhaustible talent continues to generate standing ovations all around the world. The imagination and skill of her vocal stylings on some of Gershwin’s greatest songs makes Avant-Gershwin a must have for every music-lover’s collection.    

Following the release of Avant-Gershwin, Patti Austin will bring her impressive body of work to audiences throughout Europe and Asia later this year. Tour dates will be announced shortly.

Sample Tracks available in MP3 Samples through the homepage.