Expansion Records is delighted to announce the release of the haunting single “Harvest For The World” by Patrice Isley, the five octave vocalist and a true luminary in the world of music. It is released on the 7th October, 2023.
Patrice pays homage to a family classic, with her awe-inspiring rendition of the Isley Brothers' timeless classic, "Harvest For The World," meticulously crafted under the guidance of Grammy award-winning producer Cornelius Mims, Patrice Isley proves herself as an artist of unparalleled talent and creativity.
When asked why she recorded “Harvest For The World'', Patrice said “I enjoyed this track as a child, as there was something about its message that was inclusive and hopeful. It talks about ‘gather every man, gather every woman, celebrate your lives, give thanks for your children, gather everyone, gather all together, overlooking none, hoping life gets better for the world’.
It was originally recorded by The Isley Brothers on May 29th, 1976 on T-Neck Records, their 14th studio album and remains a classic to this day.
Born and raised in the vibrant city of Houston, Texas, Patrice Isley's musical journey began at the tender age of four when she embarked on a lifelong love affair with music. By age five, she was already a regular presence in the family home, captivating her family, performing alongside her sisters, with her prodigious talent. Aged five,
Patrice became a regular on the television show “Romper Room”, a show aimed at pre-schoolers. It was syndicated and also franchised domestically and internationally. Coming from a family of professionals, her father being a pioneering sales executive and her mother a dedicated schoolteacher, Patrice's artistic flair was nurtured from a young age.
Patrice's formative years were filled with the resonant melodies of her father's dynamic vocal range, which effortlessly spanned Sam Cooke's soulful notes, Eddie Kendricks' high-pitched Temptations tunes, and the deep baritone harmonies of Gospel quartets he cherished. Her mother's eclectic taste introduced her to a diverse musical landscape, with road trips and home life permeated by the sounds of Barry White, Jeffrey Osborne, LTD, Barbra Streisand, Neil Diamond, and Seals and Croft. Patrice's musical horizons expanded further as she immersed herself in the soaring vocals of Minnie Riperton, the sustained notes of Melba Moore, and the gospel power of Mahalia Jackson.
Although she didn't grow up in a church environment, Patrice's grandmother's admiration for Mahalia Jackson left an indelible mark on her. Meanwhile, the era's music icons, such as the Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder, captured her heart.
As her family traveled extensively due to her father's business, Patrice often found herself as one of the few African-American students in her schools, exposing her to a rich tapestry of rock and roll during her elementary and junior high years. She grooved to the likes of George Clinton, Parliament Funkadelic, Prince, Rick James, and the emerging sounds of Sugar Hill Records' pioneering rap music.Patrice's passion for singing Angela Winbush’s “Your Smile” and Patti Labelle’s “Kiss Away The Pain”, led her to excel in singing competitions during her college years, providing valuable financial support.
Graduating from Marquette University, she continued her vocal education under the guidance of renowned vocal instructor David Lee Brewer. Under his tutelage, her voice blossomed into a mesmerising 5-octave instrument, characterized by its smooth yet powerful delivery.During this period, Patrice's dedication to her craft intersected with the early career of Destiny's Child, as she introduced members Beyonce, Kelly, LaTavia, and LeToya to David Lee Brewer, who became their vocal coach.In pursuit of her dreams,
Patrice moved to Los Angeles and swiftly secured her first singing engagement within a week. She joined a group that included Nina Simone's daughter, Lisa Simone, and Broadway actress Jannie Jones. Shortly thereafter, she recorded her first studio session, providing background vocals for the legendary Teddy Pendergrass.Having extensively worked on numerous tours and with more than 30 A list recording artists such as Barry White, Gladys Knight, Philip Bailey, El Debarge and Andre Crouch over the years,
Patrice Isley embarked on her solo journey in 2016 with her debut album, "BELIEVE IN LOVE." Her 2022 single release , "Patrice's Groove," featuring the enchanting piano talents of Spyro Gyra's keyboardist Tom Schuman, climbed to an impressive #11 position on the Smooth Jazz music charts.With a passion for spreading hope and love through her music,
Patrice Isley strives to fill the void left by departed legends in the realm of Soul Music. Her sacred mission continues to inspire and uplift audiences worldwide.For more about Patrice Isley and her musical journey, visit her official website at patriceisley.com.
Critiques:
- "There are tracks I think that we grow up with or that we’ve heard or shared with someone very special and they become a protected species. This is one of them, I think it’s very, very daring, but I think it works." Robbie Vincent. Jazz FM.
- "It's a brave choice to cover such a song, but I like it, got it's own smooth feel". Richard Marzetti, SolarRadio.com on HFTW.
- "Dreamy, exquisite and very, very nice." Jon Leech, Street Sounds Radio.
- “Voice of an Angel...." - Steve Edwards, formerly of RotationsUsa.com radio and former Producer of "The Morning Lounge" 91.5 KUNV Las Vegas
- "Most amazing voice I've ever heard...unparalleled vocals" - Charlie Bass- Host, Vegas Talk Radio
- "Beautiful song(s)...." - DJ Karl Blake - WCOM 103.5 FM