Rahsaan Patterson: After Hours, CD

One of the finest US soul vocalists of recent years is undoubtedly RAHSAAN PATTERSON, whose first album on Dome is a real blockbuster of an album, ‘After Hours’, a self-penned collection of 11 songs to follow his critically acclaimed albums ‘Rahsaan Patterson’ and ‘Love In Stereo’.

The Los Angeles-based vocalist/writer/producer collaborates with regular studio partners Van Hunt and Jamey Jaz, with other production contributions from the likes of Steve ‘Silk’ Hurley. In addition to the 11 featured cuts, there is a hidden bonus track.

‘After Hours’ presents a tougher, funkier side of Rahsaan’s persona than before. ‘I wanted to take people deeper, to let them see me doing the kind of party songs that urban artists were doing,’ he explains. ‘My music has always been somewhat sophisticated, but the truth is I like to have a good time.’

The result is an album of many moods and styles, from the up-tempo party feel of ‘So Hot’ to the urban dancefloor mid-tempo classics ‘Separate’ and ‘Burnin’, and then the bittersweet ballads like ‘The Best’, with a lush string and woodwind accompaniment.. Another stand-out is the opening cut ‘The One For Me’.