Once more with… Patti Austin

MANILA, Philippines - One of the foreign performers who have developed a love affair with the Filipino audience is American pop-jazz artist Patti Austin. The Grammy winner, who popularized many well-loved tunes, will be in Manila again this month to perform for her Filipino fans.

Last September, Patti was also in the country when she performed with George Benson at the Araneta Coliseum. She even did a special duet with Lea Salonga for The Voice of the Philippines on ABS-CBN.

This month, Patti will stage special, benefit concerts for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda, which ravaged several parts of the Visayas. On Dec. 29, she will take center stage in Brand New Day at  the Solaire Resort and Casino.

Joining her in the concert are leading local artists Lea Salonga, Martin Nievera and Richard Merk. Front act is Poppin’ Jazz. The concert will be on live streaming for Filipinos abroad and foreigners, too, who want to watch and make a donation for the typhoon victims. Patti’s entertainment group recorded video messages for Filipinos from artists including Bruno Mars and James Ingram.

On Dec. 31, Patti will be at Fairmont Raffles Hotel ballroom in Makati for another fundraising dinner-concert, the New Year’s Eve show, One Heart, One Voice, for the typhoon victims. Patti will join the countdown with the Sticky Band led by Rudy Lozano, with vocalists Richard and Emcy Corteza.

Musical director for both shows is Lorrie Ilustre. The concerts aim to create, design and build homes for the typhoon victims through Habitat for Humanity. It is presented by Philippine Airlines, PLDT Fibr and Department of Tourism.

Patti is set to dish out her memorable hits like In My Life, Say You Love Me, Baby Come To Me, All Behind Us Now, It Might Be You, If I Believe, This Side of Heaven, Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, How Do You Keep the Music Playing, Through the Test of Time and You Gotta Be, among others.

Patti’s impressive musical pedigree can certainly be credited to her parents — Gordon and Edna Austin — who were both musicians. Patti started in the music business at a tender age of four, when she headlined shows at Harlem’s world-famous Apollo Theater, with her godmother Dinah Washington.

At nine, Patti shared the stage with her godfather Quincy Jones as they traveled to Europe. By the time she was an adolescent, she appeared in The Sammy Davis, Jr. Show. At 16, Patti toured extensively performing all over the US with Harry Belafonte.

Through the ‘80s and ‘90s, Patti charted her most prolific recording period as she became a contract artist of Quincy Jones’ Qwest Records and subsequently scored several hits.

In 2008, Patti received a Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album for Avant Gershwin, given at the 50th Grammy Awards.

By 2011, she released Sound Advice, which contains mostly covers of popular songs. Included in the album are Don McLean’s Vincent, Brenda Russell’s A Little Bit of Love, the Jacksons’ Give It Up (her tribute to Michael Jackson), Bill Withers’ Lean On Me and Bob Dylan’s Gotta Serve Somebody.

To date, Patti has recorded and shared the stage with other big name artists like Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, Roberta Flack, Billy Joel, James Ingram, Paul Simon, Joe Cocker, George Benson, Cat Stevens, Bette Midler, Angela Bofill, Frankie Valli, Johnny Mathis, Dave Grusin, Ray Charles and Count Basie Orchestra.