Patti Austin
Grammy-winning vocalist Patti Austin brings seven decades of experience to Yoshi's Oakland for what promises to be a masterclass in versatility and storytelling. Known for her sophisticated interpretations of the American Songbook alongside career-defining R&B and pop hits, Austin seamlessly weaves together jazz standards, classic duets, and personal anecdotes with the stage presence of a true entertainer.
Austin's voice remains powerful and pitch-perfect at 75, accompanied by expressive physicality that amplifies every song's drama and emotion. Recent live reviews describe her conducting with her body, dancing as she sings, and treating comic interludes like jazz solos, peppering them with musical quotations and spontaneous melodic bursts. Her easy stage manner and flair for comedy stem from growing up around Harlem's Apollo Theater, where she first performed at age four under the guidance of godmother Dinah Washington.
Expect to hear the Grammy-nominated "Baby Come To Me" and "How Do You Keep the Music Playing?", her chart-topping duets with James Ingram, alongside Quincy Jones-produced gems like "Razzamatazz" from The Dude. Austin's jazz repertoire draws from her acclaimed tributes to Ella Fitzgerald and George Gershwin, featuring standards like "They Can't Take That Away From Me" and "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" delivered with extended scat solos and improvisational flourishes.
As both jingle queen of the '80s and accomplished jazz interpreter, Austin moves effortlessly between her pop hits and sophisticated jazz arrangements. Her recent Grammy-nominated For Ella 2 demonstrates her continued excellence in reimagining classics with what one critic calls "that regal quality" and "the ability to phrase her voice inside the arrangements seamlessly and effortlessly."
At the intimate Yoshi's, Austin's storytelling between songs—filled with memories of mentors like Sammy Davis Jr., Ray Bolger, and Quincy Jones—creates an atmosphere as engaging as her vocals. This is cabaret-style entertainment where music, humor, and personal history blend into an unforgettable evening with one of America's most accomplished vocalists.