Customer Reviews

Gettin' Away With Murder

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

and this is one of my favorite albums by her. The different musical styles she explores on this album, and successfully conquers, shows just what a fine singer she is. Patti has done this type of album before, with the 1980 CTI "Body Language" album. Jam and Lewis show what great producers they are, that they can work with Janet, Cherrelle, and Patti, and have each artist put their own stamp on the material. I get the impression that Patti sings songs that seem to mean something to her. And once she puts her vocals to the tune, it definitely becomes her own. She can get funky (Heat of Heat), sensual (Only a Breath Away), or just touching (If I Believed). It's so nice to be able to find others who admire and enjoy her talent as much as I do. This is one of her best albums.

This is the Patti Austin album I wore out on cassette form ! Boy, was I heartbroken after that. I could not find it on c.d. ( not even sold as an import back then)! To find it in l.p. form was even a rarity back in the early 90's.Her only other album to sound remotely like this one is her current In and Out of Love album.

Anyway, moving along, Gettin' Away With Murder has remained to this day my ultimate-favorite Austin album. From the first track to the last each song is excellent ( not a single disappointing song on this one)! For me the highlight is the sensual The Heat of Heat (talk about an outstanding and well crafted song from Jam and Lewis); I can really feel a day at the beach with this one ! Even though Honey for the Bees was Allison Moyet's tune, Patti does a more freely based funky and sophisticated version ( not tightly constricted or heavily synthesized as Moyet's). Big Bad World is a very cool r&b groove as well with Chaka Khan, Luther Vandross, and other equally talented artists for backup. Anything Can Happen Here is refreshing and the track Summer is the Coldest Time of Year gives you a warm-chill (almost as good as The Heat of Heat)!

This was to be Patti's last R&B, pop album for Qwest Records (the next Qwest effort would surface with re-makes of old romantic standards and jazz ballads). Her next move was to GRP Records; This was the period where I missed her Qwest material immensely. However, her voice still remained to sound very much like silk and satin; very smooth indeed Ms. Austin !

Finally, about a year ago, I was able to purchase Gettin' Away With Murder as a c.d. import ! Hallelujah, Praise Be ! It is now one of the most valued c.d.s in my collection (I hope I don't wear the c.d. out as well--I know you can't wear c.d.s out unless you scratch them or play frisbee with them)!

If you have never heard of Patti Austin (get out from underneath that rock) or are a fan, this album is a must. It is worth purchasing as an import only c.d. (not expensive at all) !

Patti Austin remains one of musicdom's most under appreciated talents. Far superior to contemporaries and successors, the divine Miss Austin has had a career spanning several decades but never achieving superstar status. That is due, in part, to the fickleness of the American public. Success is only as long as there are "hit" records. Patti Austin deserves better than that.

"Getting Away with Murder," like all of the artist's 80's releases is a mixture of sultry ballads, toe-tapping dance tracks, and jazzy gems. Although there was only one chart topper, "The Heat of Heat," a song used prominently to promote the soap "The Young & The Restless," there are several other outstanding entries on the disc. "Talkin' 'Bout My Baby," cowritten by Michael Bolton and Patrick Henderson, and the title cut are excellent showcases for Miss Austin's ability to do service to a fast number. The simple orchestration of "If I Believed" compliments Austin's performance grandly.

Austin's versatility is also highlighted in the slow and enigmatic "Summer is the Coldest Time of the Year," a magnificently tune penned by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis who also contributed "Heat.

Don't let this one get away!

This is the best if not one of the best Q-West collaborations featuring Patti Austin. It catches quite a few artists on the cusped of their careers right as R&B music is in the middle of transition. Miss. Austin's vocal range to this day is unmatched. I still get chills from "The Coldest Time of Year." The Jam/Lewis connection literally takes off with this album. "The Heat of Heat" is a perfect set up for "Saturday Love" preformed by Alexander O'Neil and Cherell. These two even gave Patti credit in the Grammy acceptance speech. Bottom line, I have this on wax and two CDs.

Patti Austin's teamwork with Jam and Lewis has paid off! The songs exude a mood which transcend time.... My favorites are "The Heat of Heat" and the title track "Gettin' Away with murder". Like their work with The Human League, Jam and Lewis are at their best early in their careers... To team with a legend like Austin was pure genius! A must buy!

Raemuse

Reviewer: Kirk Douglas Provo kprovo@hotmail.com
Patti Austin really can sing anything . . . and this record, her third of four for QWEST RECORDS, is a pretty diverse showcase of her prowess. The minor hit "The Heat of Heat" (written and produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, later of Janet Jackson fame) is included here, and it is lovingly performed in warm, knowing tones by Ms Austin. Michael Bolton's slick "Talkin' 'Bout My Baby" offers some retro-feeling rock and roll, featuring Billy Joel (among others) on back-up, while "Big Bad World" features the creme de la creme of R&B/soul in the 80s: Chaka Khan, Jocelyn Brown, and the crooner himself, Luther Vandross!

There are many shades of pop, funk, soul and . . . .you name it . . . but one thing is clear: IT'S ALL GOOD! Austin always delivers, and again, it is a shame that these mostly solid tunes weren't the huge hits they should have been. The funky "Only A Breath Away," and a soulful cover of "Honey For The Bees" (Alison Moyet) are testaments of the singer's ability to swing.

For a sample of an artist in complete comand of her instrument, check out Austin's "If I Believed" (from Randy Goodrum's pen) or "Summer Is The Coldest Time of Year" (a Jam-Lewis opus with tasteful classical undertones).

These days there seems to be more recording artists than actual vocalists. Patti Austin is the rare gem: both.

KDP

Under-played and almost extinct, and such a waste too cos this album, released in the mid-80s, was a great welcome to the music scene!

Patti Austin really can sing anything . . . and this record, her third of four for QWEST RECORDS, is a pretty diverse showcase of her prowess. The minor hit "The Heat of Heat" (written and produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, later of Janet Jackson fame) is included here, and it is lovingly performed in warm, knowing tones by Ms Austin. Michael Bolton's slick "Talkin' 'Bout My Baby" offers some retro-feeling rock and roll, featuring Billy Joel (among others) on back-up, while "Big Bad World" features the creme de la creme of R&B/soul in the 80s: Chaka Khan, Jocelyn Brown, and the crooner himself, Luther Vandross!

There are many shades of pop, funk, soul and . . . .you name it . . . but one thing is clear: IT'S ALL GOOD! Austin always delivers, and again, it is a shame that these mostly solid tunes weren't the huge hits they should have been. The funky "Only A Breath Away," and a soulful cover of "Honey For The Bees" (Alison Moyet) are testaments of the singer's ability to swing.

For a sample of an artist in complete comand of her instrument, check out Austin's "If I Believed" (from Randy Goodrum's pen) or "Summer Is The Coldest Time of Year" (a Jam-Lewis opus with tasteful classical undertones).

These days there seems to be more recording artists than actual vocalists. Patti Austin is the rare gem: both. recording artists.

KDP

I have been a huge fan of Patti Austins for many years. She is a true talent in a music world that is so unappreciative to real talent. On this cd she wraps her smooth, but powerful vocals around songs that match her pipes wonderfully. This collection of songs is flawless. "Honey for the bees" raises the roof. The title track is also A+. If you like great vocals, great songs, and a truly talented artist, then this is the cd for you. You will not regret getting this one. Enjoy.

I have been searching for this album since 1992. I once owned the cassette but they of course do not last. I didn't realize how much I missed these songs by Patti. Thank you to whomever put this on Amazon's marketplace. My musical soul is now at peace!!!