After releasing two critically-acclaimed projects for MCA (Rahsaan Patterson and Love in Stereo) in the mid 1990s, Rahsaan Patterson started his own record company, Artistry Music, and in 2005, dropped After Hours. Now, Rahsaan has arrived with perhaps his most eclectic project to date, Wines & Spirits.

The 12-song disc immediately kicks into high gear with an infectious joint entitled, "Cloud "9," (produced with longtime collaborator Keith Crouch) reminiscent of Sly Stone right down to the "boom shaka laka." Rahsaan keeps the groove going with the cut, "Delirium (Comes and Goes)," followed by the mellow "Feels Good." The tight bass line of the rock-influenced "Pitch Black" will surely mesmerize with its penetrating guitar solo—further proving Rahsaan's knack for music adventure. "In my previous albums I've always presented diversity," he says. "Don't put me in a box, don't expect me to do this one thing, don't expect me to sing one way, but I knew I had to do it in doses."

Rahsaan dives into another music direction, hitting with the club banger, "Time," featuring rapper Johnny Onyx. Radio listeners have been getting a treat with the album's first single, "Stop Breaking My Heart," with its mid-tempo syncopated backdrop and laidback hook.

"Water" finds Patterson creating an ambient sound while Jamey Jaz's production on "Deliver Me" is brilliantly hot [Jamey is another longtime collaborator]. However, it's the stunning "Oh Lord (Take Me Back)" that finds Rahsaan digging into the bottom of his soul. Also, blessing the project with his production skills is newcomer Timothy "Twizz" Bailey, Jr. who's "Higher Love" is inspiration in lyrics as well as music. The Janis Ian-penned "Stars" closes out this phenomenal CD.

The title, Wines & Spirits, reflects Patterson's view of a life of small pleasures, and recognition of the spiritual in the mundane. "There's something very biblical about it. I remember as kids driving around New York, whenever I would see a liquor store that said ‘Wines & Spirits', it just struck me. I grew up Pentecostal and the whole thing with spirits and the gospel and the Holy Ghost, so it was all connected for me."

In between projects, Rahsaan has contributed music to a number of soundtracks such as "Love & Basketball," "Dr. Doolittle," "Two Can Play That Game," "Hoodlum," and "Brown Sugar."

"As I get older and look back at my accomplishments, I am quite surprised and amused with what I have achieved and things I've done," Patterson laughs. Not one to create music for strictly commercial considerations, the artist has been able to keep the integrity of his artistry intact. "My music is always layered, it's always personal and spiritual and it's always my relationship with my listeners," he says. "You listening to my album is my conversation with you!"

(by Christopher Whaley; Edited by D. Mitchell)