Methinks Rahsaan has spent a wee bit too much time listening to those post-Family Stone records by Sly. While records like 'Fresh' are considered required listening for Neo-Soulers and Acid-Jazzers, do you really think its necessary that we revisit all that sonic weirdness? Psychedelic introspection, acid moods, aimless vocal noodling? Like 'After Hours', 'Wine and Spirits' lacks the balance of his debut or his 'Love in Stereo' records(see my reviews). I'm sure most hard-core fans will pan me for saying this. This record leaves little doubt that Patterson is not a happy artist right now. He sounds depressed and weary pretty much throughout the record, not unlike Prince when he was feuding with Warner Bros. Records and writing 'Slave' on his face. Some would say this CD is more ambient and lounge. Some might consider it dark and funky. And what's up with all that chanting and moaning??? I dunno; to me its just an unfocused, uninspired work by a highly talented but frustrated singer. And like most gifted musicians, their music inevitably reflects their mood. This won't discourage me from buying his records. But I sincerely hope his next record is more inspired.
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