Paulette McWilliams - These Are The Sweet Things '2023

Tracks list

“These Are The Sweet Things” is a 2023 album release by the
illustrious soul/jazz singer and songwriter, Paulette McWilliams. With a career
spanning several decades and collaborations with legendary artists, Paulette
McWilliams continues to captivate audiences with her extraordinary talent and
undeniable charisma.
Born and raised on Chicago's South Side, Paulette McWilliams discovered her
passion for singing at a tender age. Influenced by the likes of Sarah Vaughan,
Aretha Franklin, and Ella Fitzgerald, she developed a deep appreciation for live
music through attending shows at local clubs and outdoor block parties alongside
her older sisters.
Her musical journey took flight when she made her first public appearance on the
television show "Little Stars" at the age of 11, performing alongside the iconic
Sammy Davis Jr. This early exposure set the stage for a remarkable career that
would leave an indelible mark on the music industry. She joined Rufus, becoming
their primary female lead vocalist before finding them Chaka Khan when she left
to have her daughter.
Paulette lent her powerful vocals to over 600 radio and television jingles such
as Folgers, McDonalds, Diet Pepsi with Britney Spears, Cadillac, Cover Girl,
American Express, leaving an indelible mark on the advertising industry.
Recognising her extraordinary talent, producer Quincy Jones later invited her to
join his Body Heat promotional tour, where she showcased her remarkable backing
and lead vocals. Her collaboration with Jones extended to his album "Mellow
Madness," further solidifying her reputation as a sought-after vocalist.
In 1977, Paulette McWilliams released her debut solo album, "Feel Good All
Over," under Fantasy Records. Although the album did not achieve commercial
success, it served as a testament to McWilliams' artistry and marked the
beginning of her solo career. She continued to flourish as a duet partner with
the legendary Johnny Mathis and appeared on Michael Jackson's groundbreaking
album "Off the Wall." Additionally, her collaboration with Bette Midler's
backing group, the Harlettes, led to a remarkable eight-week Broadway run and a
transformative meeting with the incomparable Luther Vandross. In the early days
of working with Luther, she recalls “I was not as tall as Lisa Fisher and
Ava Cherry, both around 5’ 8”. I at 5’ 3” was shorter
and so Luther asked me to sing, from the pit, with the band and ‘hold down
a lot of the vocals’, so as not to upset the on-stage aesthetics”.
Fortunately that soon changed along with the personnel. Their partnership would
span two decades, with McWilliams lending her vocal talents to every album
Vandross recorded during this period.
“These Are The Sweet Things” is a masterpiece that showcases her
soulful blend of jazz and captivating storytelling. The album promises to take
listeners on an immersive musical journey, highlighting McWilliams' incomparable
vocal abilities and profound artistry. The album is a collaboration with her
former husband, Ivan Hampden Jr”, a drummer in the Luther Vandross touring
band of whom she says is a perfect creative partner. 

Tracklist:
1.01 - Paulette McWilliams - Tell Me You Love Me (4:37)
1.02 - Paulette McWilliams - Take A Drink Of Me (4:51)
1.03 - Paulette McWilliams - These Are The Sweet Things (4:46)
1.04 - Paulette McWilliams - Share (3:58)
1.05 - Paulette McWilliams - New Tunes Old Grooves (4:36)
1.06 - Paulette McWilliams - Baby Think Again (4:16)
1.07 - Paulette McWilliams - Love Is Why (4:27)
1.08 - Paulette McWilliams - Sometimes Your Eyes (4:26)
1.09 - Paulette McWilliams - Teddy's Got A Plan (4:23)
1.10 - Paulette McWilliams - What I Wanna Do To You (5:39)
1.11 - Paulette McWilliams - Stop & Listen (4:42)
1.12 - Paulette McWilliams - That's How I Am (3:58)
1.13 - Paulette McWilliams - I Feel Ya (4:29)

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