Patrice Rushen is about to spread her musical wings to reach an even larger audience than her hard-core jazz fans. Although it?s her fifth release, her new album for Elektra-?Pizzazz?-is the first that could be called a commercial success. ?Commercial,? Patrice says, ?means that it could be sold, that it is accessible to a wide range of people.?

Patrice was a genuine musical prodigy. She began studying music at age three and was giving piano recitals at six.


Not surprisingly, her favorite instrument remains the piano. Her jazz roots began to sprout in high school, where she played in a jazz lab band call the Msingi workshop. It was founded by Reggie Andrews, who has helped Patrice produce all her albums.

?That was a brand new experience for me,? Patrice says. ?Reggie was a great inspiration. He taught kids that music could be an evocation, not just an avocation. And, he opened up my piano playing to a new perspective; I learned to play what I heard inside?to improvise.?

Though she?d never toured on her own, Patrice can hardly wait? to get her new act on the road. ?I?m looking forward to getting out there and showing people what I?m all about.? The tour is scheduled to begin next month and Washington (??one of my favorite cities,? she says) will be an early stop. ?I love jazz,? Patrice says, ?and I hope to prove my improvisational skills when I perform in DC.?

Patrice also owns up to a love for classical music. ?I play classical pieces and standards,? she says.

?I?m still trying to master the instrument. I?ll play Prokofiev or Brahms or Debussy. I work from an interpretative standpoint, trying to get the instrument to speak.?

The good feelings of ?_Pizzazz? are apparent with just one listen. ?I wanted everyone to enjoy this album-people who want music to dance to and those who just want to listen. I hope this music reaches both kinds of listeners, and that it expresses the artistry and integrity that fits my own particular standard. That?s what I always reach for, quality in my work.?

Patrice says, ?I?d like to do orchestral arrangements and some film scores,? and this multi-talented instrumentalist, singer, arranger, and lyricist should have quite a future before her. Her interests go beyond music to film and the stage: ?I?d like to someday do a little acting,? she confesses. ?It would help me become a better performer.?

Patrice Rushen?s self-assurance and real talent make her worthy of attention as she flies on her spreading musical wings!