ISO Pops Series

Before deciding to hear Patti Austin's Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra recently, all I knew about her music was that she had recorded some R&B and pop songs, (the most well-known to me being, "Baby Come to Me"). Video might take a moment to appear:

I also was aware that she had a gastric bypass several years ago. Interesting combination of facts, right? So I went into the concert with this limited information...and no real opinion of her.

All ISO Pops series concerts I've attended usually start out with instrumentals during the first half and the featured vocalist during the 2nd half. The symphony did a fine job of playing standards such as "I've Got You Under My Skin", "Unforgettable" and "What's New". The conductor, Steven Reineke, was acceptable in his role but has a lot to learn before he achieves the status of veteran Pops conductor, Erich Kunzel, or Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly.

Patti came to the stage to start the second half of the concert. She belted out classics such as "Honeysuckle Rose" and "Miss Otis Regrets", but also performed Ella-inspired renditions of "Someone to Watch Over Me" and "Mr. Paganini". Ella's most well-known song "A Tisket, A Tasket" was part of the playlist and just for historical flavor....here is a video:


I've heard Ella in better voice than in the above clip, but Patti's voice is stronger than Ella's ever was. Given this, she was able to bring a different style to these classics. In addition, Patti is so engaging and amusing that she knows how to win over the audience with her personality as well as the music. She has comedic timing and knows how to work a room. One of her final songs of the evening was "How High The Moon". Here is a clip from a previous performance:


If I had only two words to describe Patti Austin instead of this lengthy narrative, they would be consummate performer.