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He epitomizes artistry.

His remarkable vocal instrument weaves a tapestry of musical colors and textures. It is incomparable and distinctive. If one were to survey the last decade of quality soul music, and attempt to measure the impact it has had on the current musical landscape, it would be impossible not to consider the role played by Rahsaan Patterson.

Rahsaan Patterson is an artist. He is blessed with the ability to effortlessly blend gospel, blues, jazz and soul, often all within the same song. As a singer/songwriter/producer, Rahsaan consistently redefines himself and his music by reaching beyond the boundaries of soul music and by embracing his musical passions to arrive at a sound that is uniquely his own. A lyrical poet of the first order and leader in the Neo Soul movement, Rahsaan Patterson doesn’t take a commercial approach to creating his work, and as a result, Rahsaan is known for making music that is not only soulful, but enduring.

It is apparent on his most recent body of work, AFTER HOURS, that Rahsaan is a forward-thinking musician, and determined to not repeat what he’s already accomplished. Like artists in the early days of the Modern Art Movement in Europe, the foundation of Rahsaan’s latest offering is about creating a new ‘aural’ language and a new way of listening to music.

It all began in 1997 when the world was introduced to the musical artistry of Rahsaan Patterson with the release of his self-titled debut, Rahsaan Patterson. With rave reviews from journalists and critics across the world, Rahsaan Patterson included tracks like the funky “Stop By,” the smooth and hypnotic ballad “Spend The Night,” and his signature tune “Where You Are” were embraced by a music loving public hungry for a slice of soul. But perhaps the album’s musical and lyrical highlight is “Joy,” a modern-day spiritual embellished with a sole chorus of voices that gives “Joy” a slender beauty without ever going over the top.

Rahsaan ended 1999 with the release of Love in Stereo, a stunning collection of twelve meticulously crafted songs. Love in Stereo is such a thoughtfully-conceived and well-executed album that it may have just raised the standards for other artists to aim for. Tracks such as “Sure Boy,” give an autobiographical glimpse into the thinking and determination behind this artistic visionary. The positive side of love is displayed on “Do You Feel The Way I Do?” and the shimmering orchestral ballad “It’s Alright Now.”

Who exactly is the man behind the music? Named after legendary jazz saxophonist Rahsaan Roland Kirk, and a native of Harlem, New York, Rahsaan Patterson was literally raised as a child of music. More often than not, the strains of Stevie Wonder, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Rufus, Earth, Wind & Fire, Miles Davis, and Michael Jackson, and other prominent soul artists of the day could be heard within the Patterson home on a daily basis. And, as one may suspect of such a soulful artist as Patterson, the church also played a powerful role in shaping his infectiously emotional style. By the age of 6, he was a key figure in the local Pentecostal choir.

Rahsaan later moved to California, honed his songwriting skills and began writing. As a behind-the-scenes force, he wrote hit songs for Tevin Campbell, Chico DeBarge, Christopher Williams, and Jody Watley. He collaborated with producer Keith Crouch to write the triple-platinum selling “Baby,” which reached #1 on the national charts, and became the flashpoint of Brandy’s multi-media career.