PATTI AUSTIN | Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald

It will be a truly unique end to the Espressivo jazz series in the 2021/22 artistic season. Although you have probably already got used to the fact that we invite the best artists to the stage of the Philharmonic in Szczecin, it will be no different this time. Our invitation was accepted by the outstanding Patti Austin – goddaughter of Dinah Washington and Quincy Jones, artistic heir to the works of Ella Fitzgerald. With her flawless, honey-coloured voice, Patti Austin will present Lady Ella's work in the golden hall of the Szczecin Philharmonic.

Patti Austin & Trio

The great lady of jazz, Patti Austin, is an artist with impressive musical output, including 16 studio albums and a Grammy Award. She started her star career at the age of four. At 15, she began recording and went on tour with Harry Belafonte a year later. She made her first recording session for James Brown for "It's a Man's World". She was one of the leading session vocalists – she sang with Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Joe Cocker, Roberta Flack, Michael Jackson, and Diana Ross. "Baby Come to Me", which she sang in a duet with James Ingram, brought her great fame. Her songs regularly appeared on the Billboard Jazz Albums list. In addition, she created music for films and performances. She performed at the Grammy Awards and Oscars.

In one of the interviews, the artist said: I don't want to sound like Ella. I can't sound like her. However, Ella Fitzgerald is my all-time favourite singer, and the fact that I have listened to her songs for most of my life could have naturally influenced my style merging with hers. I hope in a good way. Mark Holston in Jazziz wrote that Austin has always had an ear for great material and has all the necessary interpretative tools to make it something special. Patti Austin is an artist with extraordinary energy and outstanding stage skills. The audience charms with their voice, openness and ease of making contact. She is also socially active – speaking out and engaging in activities on AIDS, domestic violence, freedom and equality in America.