By Bill Vaughn
Contributing Columnist
Columbus Post

Named after 60s jazz saxophonist Rahsaan Roland Kirk, singer/songwriter Rahsaan Patterson had his beginnings in show biz as part of the Disney's Kids Incorporated class that spawned Mario López, Martika and Shanice Wilson. Long since then, the New York native who resides in Los Angeles, has written hit songs for Brandy (Baby), Tevin Campbell (Back to the World), Chico DeBarge, Christopher Williams, Donell Jones, Brian Culbertson, Jody Watley and Ray J, to name a few. His music can also be heard in a number of popular films (Love & Basketball, Dr. Doolittle, Two Can Play That Game, Brown Sugar). Rahsaan's third CD “After Hours” enjoyed huge success overseas and was a much in demand import until being released domestically. It features contributions from Van Hunt, Steve 'Silk' Hurley, Trina Broussard and longtime collaborator Jamey Jaz, among others. Tasty Clips has learned that after a performance at L.A.'s House of Blues on May 13, Rahsaan will be a special guest star on American Idol champ (and platinum seller) Fantasia's first major U.S. tour with headliner Kem. Key dates in June include: 8 - St Louis; 16 - Chicago; 17 - Cleveland; 18 - Philadelphia; 19 - Baltimore; 22-24 - Washington, D.C.; 25 - New York; 26 - Newark, NJ; 30 - Columbia, SC; with a date on July 1 in Atlanta.
What is it that Europeans are getting that we are slow to get? (Laughs) "To an extent I'd have to say they haven't been untrained musically, because our music took a change in course during the 80s and 90s and led us to where it is right now. A lot of the youth who make the music and buy the music predominantly are running the s--- right now." (Laughs) "I think we who were familiar with the origins of great music never lost sight. But from day to day you turn on a radio and TV and even if it's not a good song the melody sticks in your head, because the stations are paid to play it every hour on the hour. I think that's forced us to lose sight as Americans of the richness of our music. Whereas Europeans, they've always stayed in sync with genuine music that moves the soul and where it comes from. And it shouldn't be surprising that once CDs took over analog records that the music wouldn't reflect the same. The CD was about technology and that's what music has come to be." What? "A lot of music lovers prefer analog to CD simply because the sound quality reaches you in a much richer place. You can hear the differences between analog and CD, but CD's have a much clearer resonance. Whereas, analog you put records on and there's crackling and it's sounds thicker. CD's sound much brighter. It's really just a facade to go along with the advancement of technologies for us and unfortunately music has fallen in the same category." Do you keep that in mind when composing an album? "I always feel like I'm making an album. The words, My new CD, never comes out of my mouth." Who's on your turntable? "Right now, I have Donnie's vinyl and Tata Vega – A 12 inch of I Just Keep Thinking About You."
Q. There's a big difference in your appearance from when you first showed up on the scene with a lot of hair to you having hardly any. Is that fashion?
A. (Laughs)"I think it's definitely being conscious of fashion, but for me it's about attacking expectations and defying comfort levels – my own and other people's. What's funny to me is it's a topic." We didn't get to your glasses yet. (Laughs). "No, we didn't get to the fact that I need to wear those when I'm driving."
Q. There was a period where you were doing a lot of work with jazz artists like George Duke. Do you feel comfortable in that genre?
A. "That genre is always challenging because it's so intellectual. As a singer and musician it's almost the epitome of music. I'm always honored to have those opportunities. I look forward to someday releasing a standards album."
Q. Your voice is often compared or described as having some similarities to Chaka Khan. As a male vocalist, does that annoy you?
A. (Laughs) "In the beginning it was flattering and still is to some degree. It always made sense to me that people would hear that, because she's been a major influence in my artistic growth and as a person in my life." Her old bandmate Tony Maiden played a lot of guitar on your current release. Did he ever make a comment? "Every time he'd come in the studio to work with us, he'd always say the songs remind him of Rufus. That's a huge compliment to my heart. The process and what he sees and how fast it unfolds had him make references to Chaka, and how she'd come to the studio and just hit it and bounce." They were supposed to be doing a reality show searching for the next Rufus member. It could be you. "I don't want to see that show." You wouldn't put yourself in those shoes? "They don't need to be filled."
Q. What do like to do in your leisure time?
A. "I love to go to new restaurants to eat. My favorite out here in L.A., Joss in Beverly Hills, closed. I've been to Ago, owned by Robert DeNiro, which has excellent langostines; and Koi owned by Jimmy Sommers. I worked with him on his CD. I just wish we still had Chick Fil A here." What about New York? "A Taste of Seafood on 125th & Madison. Merchants, I'm not mad at. TGI Friday always works." (Laughs) For what? The budget? That must be a fun part of touring. Getting to check out all these spots. "Yeah, and you know people really really love Waffle House. I'm not saying it isn't good, but it ain't everything people be making it out to be. I like Houston's. They got a mean Hawaiian rib-eye. No joke." Anyone approaching you about writing a song? "Lalah Hathaway and I want to work together and we're going to do it.”

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