Patti Austin is only today releasing her wonderful new soul album "Sound Advice" in the US and UK, about one week after its release in continental Europe, yet at tonight's awe inspiring jazz concert at the Ruhr Klavierfestival in Essen she had some big news about her next album:
In about three weeks time, she will hit the studio with none other than her old buddy James Ingram to record an entire album of duets. They will cover some classic duet songs as well as create a few brand new ones.
This seems a smart move from a business stand point, as both artists had their biggest hits when teaming up with each other, on the classic ballads "Baby Come To Me" and "How Do You Keep The Music Playing." A reunion should definitely garner more media attention than either artist's recent solo releases.
So... let the speculation begin which duets they'll cover. I know I would like to hear:
If This World Were Mine and You're All I Need to Get By by Marvin and Tammy
Where is the Love and Back Together Again by Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway
Tonight, I Celebrate My Love by Roberta and Peabo Bryson
Endless Love by Diana Ross and Lionel Ritchie
How Many Times Can We Say Good-Bye by Dionne Warwick and Luther Vandross
Private Number by William Bell and Judy Clay
Don't Give Up by Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush
If you have your own suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments section!
Meanwhile, here is a pre-weight loss Patti Austin and a pre-hair loss James Ingram with the song that started it all - a track that made music history by being the slowest climber to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 ever!
