 Patrice Rushen Writes... Her Prestige album "Shout It Out" has just been reissued for the first time on CD by Soul Brother Records in the UK. Patrice shares her thoughts about the record at Soul Music.com...
"Shout It Out" was the last album I recorded for Fantasy/Prestige. It represents somewhat of a departure from the more "straight-ahead" jazz that I first recorded for the label to what would become the beginning of a more personal voice towards the balance of commercial sensibilities without sacrificing aesthetic awareness and traditions. It was the only Fantasy/Prestige release to be recorded in Los Angeles and the only one which had a budget adequate enough to take advantage of the more "commercial techniques" which included a rehearsal before the actual session to try out and play through the material, as well as enough days to record, which made the recording schedule a little more relaxed for all .
My fondest memory of this recording however, was that it was great fun. Prior to this, the appropriate and professional "take care of business" approach had made for some great recorded moments, but it wasn't consistently an atmosphere that I could characterize as having been completely "fun." This was the recording that taught me the delicate but significant balance of the right players, the right environment, the right preparedness and approach to the music which could create the "right " situation for the musicians to give their best and serve the music. It's not that this had never happened in the previous recordings. But this time I was aware of it and I'd determined how I could achieve this. I could feel the difference and I could actually relax and enjoy myself, too.
I never forgot that feeling. I attempted to capture that healthy, creative, open environment as the bed on which thoughtful preproduction activities could rest, develop, and to expand. It continues to be a joy and a mystery how the perfect balance of talent can add to a piece more that what the composer could have ever imagined!
Enjoy the performances of my friends and my colleagues, who selflessly helped me and followed my lead as we collectively opted for the feelings associated with joy, groove and no fear of stylistic limitations... it's just the music and the moment.
Stay tuned!!!
Patrice Rushen
About the Writer
David Nathan is the founder and CEO of SoulMusic.com and began his writing career in 1965; beginning in 1967, he was a regular contributor to Blues & Soul magazine in London before relocating to the U.S. in 1975 where he served as U.S. editor for the publication for several decades and began being known as 'The British Ambassador Of Soul.' From 1988 to 2004, he wrote prolifically for Billboard, has penned bios, produced and written liner notes for box sets and reissue CDs for over a thousand projects. He returned to London in 2009 where he has helped create SoulMusic.com Records as a leading reissue label.
|
|
|
