Tim Patrick is a bit of a latecomer to music, as he only began singing in public a couple of years prior to making his debut CD in 2006. Fortunately, his family believed in his dream and put him in contact with pianist
Joanne Grauer (who had backed vocalists like
Andy Williams and
Michael Feinstein, in addition to
the Osmonds and
the Lennon Sisters, as well as recording on her own) and she insisted that he record a session. With bassist Gary Douglas and drummer Bill Heise rounding out the group,
Patrick sings with a surprising confidence, tackling an ambitious set of standards, including hits associated with
Frank Sinatra ("My Way" and "Fly Me to the Moon") and
Andy Williams ("Moon River"). His warm, swinging tenor also does justice to chestnuts such as "It Had to Be You" and "My Funny Valentine."
Grauer, an underrated pianist who hasn't done nearly enough recording on her own, is the consummate accompanist and a gifted improviser, though her use of a keyboard string synthesizer in the background may not suit everyone's taste. Douglas and Heise provide a potent rhythm section and help to propel the singer to achieve his best. ~ Ken Dryden