RAHSAAN PATTERSON
Rahsaan Patterson (MCA)
Rating: ****
By J.R. Reynolds

   With a keen sense of song that combines memorable hooks with infectious rhythms, Rahsaan Patterson’s debut album reflects this R&B artist’s talent-soaked abilities. Spicy production work enthralls the listener without overtaking the artist’s gritty creative flow. Melodies are what drive this vocalist’s album--that, and genuine emotion. And while it’s imprudent to make predictions, it’s a good bet that this soul vocalist should enjoy a healthy recording career.
   One of the reasons for Rahsaan’s unique appeal is his use of nontraditional pop instruments. On “Come Over,” the artist employs the Hindu sitar, which Glenn McKinney plucks to perfection. The stringed instrument offers the easy-flowing ballad a diverting ethnic dimension beyond Rahsaan’s own African-American heritage, making a good song better.
   “Spend The Night” demonstrates Rahsaan’s ability to seduce listeners with his urgently expressive vocals, and the song is laced with sultry rhythm play driven by demure strings and restrained keyboard lines. But perhaps the artist’s great secret for creating admirers is his chameleon-like ability to alter his vocal delivery to project his deepest musical essence. Case in point is “Where You Are,” which weaves an airy romantic tapestry that, unlike “Spend The Night”’s bedroom sensuality, projects a good-time-at-the-park-with-your-beau kind of feeling. Another track, “Stop By,” uses funky guitar play to wah-wah its way along one’s ear, provoking an involuntary neck groove and some toe-tapping syncopation.