Love > Fear is the debut album of Dallas native Rodney Patterson, who has spent years refining his piano chops since his beginning at age 11. Now arrives the work of his creative passion.
Patterson says that he strives to bring relaxation through his music. In this effort, he is successful. However, there are also moments that transcend relaxation and tap into the more profound and mysterious stratum of emotion.
“Destination to Perfection” is a standout track. First off, it is an interesting title. Destination to what sort of perfection? Musical perfection? Spiritual perfection? As for the actual song, it is likely to strike a chord in the mood of a listener. The piano playing is so eminently graceful; perhaps that’s the thing destined for “perfection.”
“Nothing Left” stands out in that it seems so semantically far removed from “perfection.” As for the musical contents, they evoke a more haunting feel, yet retain all the elegance of the previously mentioned song.
“Smile” brings a carnival of sounds, most notably a saxophone that carves out a swaggering journey. “Smile” could make one do just that, owing to its jazzy vivacity.
In general, Patterson’s album definitely has a romantic element; and this much is achieved without any salacious lyrics, just romance conveyed through the pure abstractions of music.
There is often a synthesizer lurking in the background. It adds some flavor without obfuscating the piano chops. Though Patterson’s album stands on its own as soulfully congenial listening, it could also make an apt foundation for a series of radio friendly pop tunes.
About his album’s title, it is the mantra of a nursing home where he has continually played piano. From his poignant experiences brining song to the aged and ailing, he has adopted the saying, “love > fear,” as a mantra for his own existence.
Along with serenading senior citizens, Patterson has composed background music for fitness videos. This news is a bit surprising: because his music makes one want to chill out or contemplate some lingering memory while looking out the window; not work out! Oh well. Perhaps Patterson is more versatile that what the current reviewer gives him credit for.
At any rate, Patterson’s album can be sampled on CD Baby (http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rodneypatterson) and purchased via iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/love-fear/id517615558) or Amazon. And you Spotify bandits are encouraged to track him down.
So does “Love” trump “Fear”? Judge for yourself at: www.Rodney-Patterson.com
Ray Cavanaugh – owleyesgatsby@yahoo.com
