Patti Zlaket - Dance Again

DANCE AGAIN PATTI ZLASKET

After taking two decades off from releasing music, Patti Zlaket, an artist, pianist, and songwriter, released her latest album Dance Again. With just eight tracks and lots of storytelling across each one, it’s the perfect comeback album, linking themes from her work released back in 2006. Produced by Tariqh Akoni (credits include Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Lopez and Weezer), the album features some of the most impressive mix of musicians, who perfectly support each track and let Zlaket's voice and songwriting shine.

The story behind the album is an interesting one. After watching Immediate Family, which is a documentary about legendary session musicians (including Lee Sklar, Danny Kortchmar, Waddy Wachtel and Russ Kunkel) Zlaket sent a DM Sklar. She just wanted to share her simple gratitude for the music he had shared over years. He responded, which sparked a conversation and one thing led to another. She eventually shared a new song with him, which became the start of it all. After that conversation, she decided to embark on the year-long recording project that today is known as Dance Again.

The album's title track is where all of the album’s ideas and themes come together. "Dance Again" is easily the record's standout moment, and perhaps its most important song. On the surface, it is a light and overall feel-good track. However, underneath the piano backing and clean vocal performance, the lyrics ask one of life’s most important questions- is it worth taking another chance when you already know you could get hurt?

For example, the second verse kicks off with the lyrics: “Staring at an ocean of paper scattered all around / Words and melodies that never got to make a sound/ Do I jump back in the water to find if I’ll be found? / I try not to drown.” In my opinion, these are some of most vulnerable lyrics found on the album. The "ocean of paper" becomes a particularly effective image for all the lyrics and possibilities that had accumulated for Zlaket since 2006. And then there is the relatable story of sharing how yes, there is an excitement in the idea of jumping back into that water, but also fear of still feeling unseen, even after you try your best. The line "I try not to drown" captures that uncertainty perfectly. But the fact that she jumps anyway is what makes the song (and the album as a whole) so uplifting.

Genre-wise, Dance Again sits somewhere between adult contemporary, pop-rock, roots-informed singer-songwriter music and the more polished side of classic rock. That mixture is part of what makes it interesting. Strong melodies, live performances from background musicians, and that conversational storytelling in the lyrics make every song sound timeless.

And aside from the thoughtful eight songs on the album, what makes Dance Again" so meaningful is that it challenges the idea that there is a “right” time to make music. Zlaket’s return shows that artistry doesn’t have an expiration date.In fact, 20 years away from music may have given her songwriting and artistic direction just the perfect amount of perspective. Afterall, this album isn’t about looking back, moving forward and remembering to live a life you love. As Patti Zlaket proves, anytime is the right time to dance again.

Below this review is an interview with Zlaket, which offers a closer look at the story behind the album, her return to music, and the message she hopes listeners take from Dance Again.

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Interview

After a 20-year break from releasing an album, what finally made Dance Again the right record to bring you back?

They say timing is everything, and that is certainly true for me. I had really been missing music. I was still performing, but not at the level I wanted to be, and I hadn’t recorded anything in the studio in a very long time. I think my desire was just below the surface, and when this opportunity presented itself, I jumped at it.

You’ve described this album as “returning home.” In what ways did the songwriting process feel different from your earlier records?

At this time in my life, I’m more excited about taking chances and less concerned about the result. I always say that the worst anybody can say is no and if someone doesn’t like what I’m creating that doesn’t mean it’s a failure. I’m less concerned with pleasing everyone and more focused on making the best art I can make. It’s very freeing.

The title Dance Again feels symbolic. What does it represent in this chapter of your life and career?

“Dance Again” is my favorite song off of the album. It really is about the whole process of stepping back into music and taking another chance, but it can apply to so many things in life, which is why I love it. There’s always time for a new beginning, no matter where you are in your life.

Watching Immediate Family sparked the idea for this album. What was it about that film that reignited your creative fire?

The music highlighted in that film is the music I grew up listening to and still listen to now. I am a child of the 70s and in my opinion some of the best music ever made was made during that decade and the decade that followed. You hear people say it all the time, and it sounds kind of corny, but it really was like watching the soundtrack to my life. I felt like someone was tapping me on the shoulder, telling me it was time to jump back in the pool.

Reaching out to Lee Sklar changed everything. Looking back, what did that experience teach you about taking creative risks?

Fear can be a really big wall. Whether it’s fear of rejection or fear of failure or just fear of doing something you’ve never done. If I had not taken the chance that I did, reaching out to Lee in the way that I did, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. Life is about taking risks. I’m very glad that I listened to myself on this one.

How did working with producer Tariqh Akoni shape the sound of the album, and what did he encourage you to explore as an artist?

Tariqh is very gifted, and part of what makes him so is that he did challenge me—to look at my lyrics a little more closely, to think about different ways to structure the music, he even helped me tap into my strengths as a vocalist. I always say he’s a magician, because he truly does make magic. But he’s also a very warm and genuine human being, and working with him was a dream. I can’t wait to do it again!

Was there a particular song on the album that came together in an unexpected or memorable way during the recording process?

“I’ve Got You.” The lyrics hit me in the middle of the night and I woke up and grabbed my phone to record some of them into it so that I wouldn’t forget them. Once the faucet is on for me, creatively, I have to be very tuned in because the ideas will come when I least expect it.

You worked with an incredible lineup of session musicians. Was there a moment in the studio that made you stop and think, "I can't believe this is happening”?

When I first arrived at the studio, I was very nervous and bursting with that kind of anticipation and energy. Once we settled into recording, it felt so natural and right for me to be there again. It was as if no time had passed. But I never took for granted, nor do I ever take for granted, the fact that I am working with some of the finest musicians on the planet.

Which track on Dance Again feels the most personal to you, and why?

They’re all personal, but I do think the title track is particularly special for the reasons I’ve mentioned. It really is about this entire experience, and I love singing it. It just feels like breathing to me. It’s my favorite song on the record.

Who were the first people you shared the finished album with, and what reactions meant the most to you?

My partner Joe and my family. They’ve all supported me from Day One with nothing but encouragement and excitement. Honestly, that is part of what made this whole experience possible. There was nothing and no one holding me back.

Apple Music has championed your recent releases, introducing your music to a new generation of listeners. What has it been like connecting with audiences who may be discovering you for the first time?

It’s been thrilling! Releasing my entire remastered deluxe catalog has been one of the coolest parts of this whole experience. Finally, having people hear my music that has been unavailable for listeners for decades. The online streaming world has its negatives, but being able to reach a global audience is definitely a positive. Some of those songs might be old, but to my new listeners, they’re brand new.

You've lived many different lives—as a touring musician, jingle singer, law school graduate, and now recording artist again. How have those experiences influenced the songs on this record?

Every road I’ve taken has shaped me as an artist, and more importantly, as a human being. Living in different places, performing, becoming a lawyer, all of that has added so much to my life and my creativity. I wouldn’t trade any of those roads or choices because without them I wouldn’t be here now doing this. Everything happened the way that it was supposed to happen.

If listeners take away just one message after hearing Dance Again, what do you hope it is?

If there’s something you want to do in this life, take a chance and do it. Let go of the result and focus on the experience of trying and of dreaming. Nothing is better than trying to make a dream come true.

This comeback has already brought sold-out shows, playlist recognition, and renewed attention. What does success for this album look like to you beyond the numbers?

Just being able to make music that people are appreciating at this time in my life. That’s the success. I feel like I’ve already won. Everything else that comes now is just icing on the cake.

Now that you've proven it's never too late to pursue a dream, where do you hope this new chapter takes you next?

More music, more shows, more listeners, for as long as I can do it!

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