Patti Austin
Austin is a gifted singer/composer whose previous work (like End of the Rainbow) has been outstanding. That makes Body Language all the more disappointing. Austin's own writing is sadly missing, and there are only three songs that truly spotlight her vocal agility. The title cut, S.O.S. and I Can't Stop all fall within the jazz/pop category where Austin, 29, brought up on Long Island on Big Band music of the '40s, seems most comfortable. It's when she ventures outside this genre, as on We've Got Tonite, a country-rock tune, that she seems lost. Her enterprise and verve are to be applauded, but not her song selection.
Your Reaction
