Album Notes

Saxophonist, vocalist and songwriter Patrick Lamb, who spent most of last year on tours playing back-up for Jazz & R&B greats Bobby Caldwell, Diane Schuur and Gino Vannelli, has stepped out on his own to release his own solo project “Soul of a Free Man” –a title that appropriately describes Patrick’s journey to find his own musical voice and the remarkable collaborations with his co-writer’s. The CD’s featured single is the title track, “Soul of a Free Man.”

Patrick Lamb revisits his southern roots and influences from growing up in Jackson, MS as a developing musician. This CD has the grit of a good old southern back porch blues tune, the horn section of Motown and soul of ‘old school’ R&B. “Soul of a Free Man,” is distinguished by exceptional writing and an extraordinary supporting cast. “Back in Love Again,” for example, was co-written by Patrick’s long time friend Lee Garrett who co-penned “Signed, Sealed Delivered”, “Isn’t She Lovely” and includes keyboards by the great George Mitchell who tours with Diana Ross, and features funky guitar solo’s from the legendary Eddie Matinez, who has toured and recorded with Robert Palmer, Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart and Alicia Keys among others.

The album claims another distinction. Although predominantly vocal, it offers some smoky saxophone solo’s, which allow Patrick to showcase his abilities as an instrumentalist, along with, his abilities as both a songwriter and vocalist. In his high-energy live performances Patrick is known for showcasing his stellar saxophone playing.

Patrick and co-producer Tim Ellis felt strongly about modeling the recording sessions like those of an old Motown record. They wanted to capture the vibe and the energy of having all the musicians in the room and playing at the same time. The results included songs like the funky “Back In Love Again,”& “Soul of a Free Man,” and the groove of, “We Can Make It” & “I Remember.” In an era where live instrumentation doesn’t dominate in music production, this CD is an interesting and much needed fusion of high energy, live grooves and that old school sound made famous during the Motown years.

Press Reviews

Allmusic.com
While best known as a backing saxman for Bobby Caldwell and Diane Schuur, he's fully liberated as a cool and pop–R&B singer on this well titled follow–up, which was released just a few months after his dual project with Meyer. Relegating his tenor and soprano mostly to a sizzling four–part horn section, he focuses instead on romantic, easy funk songwriting and his appealing lead vocals. Off and running on the lively, blues brimming "Back in Love," the soothing seduction "You Are My Everything" and the hopeful sweetness of "I Remember," Lamb seduces throughout over the rising horn harmonies and the shimmering touches of Hammond B–3 (by Glen Holstrom) and Rhodes (George Mitchell). The bubbly moments are nicely balanced by gentler, more intensely heartfelt expressions like "Baby, Let Me See Your Smile." It's all very vibrant and retro, and indeed will remind listeners of some of Caldwell's best horn–inflected tracks over the years. Checking the songwriter credits, it's no wonder that there's ample room for some serious soul patrolling; one of Lamb's co–writers is Lee Garrett, who co–wrote some of Stevie Wonder's biggest hits.

Review by Jonathan Widran
Allmusic.com

KMHD Radio
Soul Of A Free Man is a wonderful release! All the best musicians in the region are in attendance on this recording, with fantastic backing vocals provided by The Brown Sisters. When coupled with Patrick's vocals, his original compositions and his continuously expanding saxophone playing that ranges from slow and burning to pyrotechnic, the listener gets an end product that is very listenable.

It's about time somebody in this area produced such a sweet soulful, danceable and funky body of music. Good job!

Mary Burlingame
Producer/host-Home Grown Live
KMHD, Public Radio

KINK Radio
Patrick Is Always On Top Of His Game, Another Must Have CD For My Collection......

Bob Ancheta
KINK FM 102