Rahsaan Patterson - Sunday Night Treat

Can I keep it real with you? ...

Going to Annapolis last night was the last thing on my mind. The first thing? Going home and climbing in my bed after a long weekend so I could face the Monday morning commute!

But you know how they say everything happens for a reason? It was truly meant for me to go to Annapolis and hear Rahsaan Patterson sing last night.

Sure, I had youtubed him and surfed through his info on wikipedia or what not, but honestly, the web does not do him 100% justice. There is never anything like a live performance. And Rahsaan gave a great one last night at Ram's Head Tavern in front of a nicely packed crowd!

Rahhsaan dropped his first self-titled album in 1997 and included what has become his signature tune, "Where You Are", as well as the funky "Stop By", immediately putting him on the radar with R&B fans. He followed that effort with 1999's critically praised album, Love In Stereo.

After Hours, his long-awaited 2004 follow-up, was released on the independent Artistry Music label, and only cemented Patterson's reputation as a deeply thoughtful, adventurous artist with a unique point of view.

Along the way, Patterson shared his artistry on soundtracks Love & Basketball, Dr. Doolittle, Two Can Play That Game, Hoodlum, Brown Sugar, as well as the renowned comedian Steve Harvey’s compilation Sign Of Things To Come.

His voice is very reminiscent of Stevie Wonder, a comparison he does not mind at all. And the way he hits his high notes, definitely reminded me of Maxwell.

I was sold on Rahsaan Patterson from the very beginning of the night and continued to fall for him as he sang a variety of his hits - "Take Me Back", "Feels Good", "Water", "The One for Me", "The Best" (my favorite - piano intro is just sooo b-e-a-u-tiful!) and "Stop Breaking My Heart" - and many more - a great hour and a half of musical ecstasy that made me forget my earlier complaints!

Rahsaan officially stole my heart when he sang my favorite Michael Jackson song (and his!) "Human Nature"! An amazing rendition - the band, the backup singers, Rahsaan - they killed it!

I am starting the petition to get Rahsaan to Baltimore (Ear Candy please!) and I hope everyone signs it because your ears will DEFINITELY be thanking you later!