On Sunday afternoon, April 23, at 4pm, she will also be performing in concert at Jazz Chez Hanny, 145 Filmore, San Francisco, with bassist Jeff Chambers. For more information: http://home.earthlink.net/~fchanny/jazz.html
Although she is new to the Bay Area, Ms. Wicks is a veteran performer, having begun her professional career in New York in the late 60's where her duos and trios included such jazz greats as bassists Sam Jones, Richard Davis, Brian Torff, and drummers Louis Hayes, Mickey Roker, Alan Dawson and Curtis Boyd. Throughout her career, she has worked with an extensive list of artists, including horn players Ira Sullivan, Flip Phillips, Clark Terry, Pete Minger, Greg Abate; guitarists Larry Coryell and Randy Johnston; and has accompanied renowned vocalists Sheila Jordan, Giacomo Gates, Rebecca Parris, Anita O'Day, Roseanna Vitro and Carol Sloane. Now living in South Florida, Patti performs locally and continues touring the US and Italy.
Her most recent CD, “Basic Feeling", recorded in Italy and featuring the excellent Italian musicians with whom she regularly tours, has received rave reviews from both International and US jazz critics.
“Certain voices, when put into motion, immediately take command and let the listener know who is in charge." - C. Michael Bailey, All About Jazz.
“(an) exceptionally gifted American pianist and singer.....bringing subtlety and nuance to her interpretations of a song selection that avoids overdone material." - Bruce Crowther, Jazz Journal International
“(Patti Wicks) sounds like a Lauren Bacall who can really sing...and Wicks' piano artistry is well captured. “ - Joe Lang, Jersey Jazz
“but above all, there is the piano playing and deep, smoky vocals of Patti Wicks.......who is capable of casting a spell without resorting to facile tricks." - Lorenzo Vigano, CORRIERE DELLA SERA Magazine
Here is just a sample of what critics had to say about “Love Locked Out", Patti Wicks' 2003 MAXJAZZ CD:
“Throughout this bittersweet song cycle, Wicks leaves the impression that she knows whereof she sings, so much so that a ballad as familiar as “Body and Soul" comes across sounding fresh and deeply felt.....Produced by Joel E. Siegel, .... “Love Locked Out" deserves a place on the CD shelf right alongside [Shirley] Horn's finest recordings. It's that good." - Mike Joyce, The Washington Post
“it's a safe bet that Love Locked Out... will win her the national and international attention she's long deserved." - Christopher Loudon, Jazz Times
“Damn, I love to hear a vocalist sing ballads, especially when they are as well performed as they are on “Love Locked Out" (MAXJAZZ - 501), a stunning new album from vocalist/pianist Patti Wicks.... There are not many singers who can get away with this kind of album." - Joe Lang, Jersey Jazz
About Ms Wicks' debut CD “Room At The Top" released in 1998 on Recycled Notes:
“establishes her as a world-class singer-pianist in the tradition of Nat Cole, Blossom Dearie, and Shirley Horn." -- Joel E. Siegel, NPR Jazz Riffs CD review
“She's got serious jazz chops in a harmonically intense Bill Evans vein, but on the other seven tracks she sings - and a whole different world beckons" - Matt Schudel, Sun Sentinel
“Patti Wicks is equally adept at both piano and vocals...Each listener seems to get individual attention. It is like having her and her trio live in the same room with you. This is an impressive first album." - David Nathan, All Music Guide
For more information contact All About Jazz.
