New Music: Rahsaan Patterson Preps New Release; collabs with Lalah Hathaway & Faith Evans

Mack Avenue recording artist and soul innovator Rahsaan Patterson continues to push the boundaries of soul music with the release of his latest project, bleuphoria (July 19), that will coincide with intimate, cross-country promotional performances this summer. After receiving the 2008 BETJ Virtual Award and being honored as Soul Tracks Artist of the Year, Rahsaan’s musical talents have touched more than 10 million CDs sold to date and continues to capture a whole new legion of fans with his electrifying, soul-stirring ballads. The latest single from bleuphoria, 6 AM gained momentum with urban radio stations across the country as the number one most added record in its release week according to both Billboard and Mediabase.

His latest effort, bleuphoria, takes listeners on a sonic ride showcasing Rahsaan’s diversity in music genres from gospel to classic R&B soul to new age funk but also dissects the transcendence of an artist who conquers personal fears and artistic growth unfolding-beautifully through every song. Filled with signature Rahsaan infinite octave-ranging ballads (Goodbye and Miss You), hypnotic mid-tempo tracks (Stay With Me, 6 AM and first single Easier Said Than Done), funk-drenched club grooves (Ghost featuring Jody Watley) and genre-bending studio experiments (Crazy [Baby] and Mountain Top), bleuphoria is yet another testament of why Rahsaan decided to move in front of the microphone after years of being a successful songwriter.

“This album is a summation of my worldly experiences and really offers musical insight into my journey and what has influenced and inspired me over the years,” says Rahsaan. “Of course I’m rooted in classic R&B soul but I’m so much more than one category and this album is the proof.”

An equally talented songwriter, Rahsaan has written hit songs for and collaborated with Brandy, Van Hunt, Ledisi and Lalah Hathaway. bleuphoria follows the New York-bred, Los Angeles-based singer’s 2008 The Ultimate Gift, 2007 Wine and Spirits, 2005 After Hours, 1999 Love in Stereo and 1997 self-titled, acclaimed debut, Rahsaan Patterson. A respected musician within the industry, an array of renowned recording artists lend their talents on bleuphoria including Jody Watley, the legendary Tata Vega, gospel great Andrae Crouch and his choir, Shanice Wilson, Lalah Hathaway and Faith Evans, further solidifying its importance in the ever evolving genre of soul music.

Just in time for summer, Rahsaan will be visiting various cities in the U.S. including Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, San Francisco and Baltimore performing songs from bleuphoria for intimate venues and various music festivals.

Listen to the first single “6 AM” :