Keisha Patterson is an artistic triple threat — an actress, dancer and singer. Of her talents, it is her captivating voice that has commanded the most attention. Having wowed the black-tie guests at last weekend’s Jamaica Chamber of Commerce grand charity ball as the featured performer, Patterson has a steady stream of gigs lined up, and is in the studio recording a follow-up album to her reggae-jazz debut Sunday Kind of Love. We caught up with Patterson over vino at Bin 26 in the midst of the Salut! celebration.

What are you sipping?

Sauvignon Blanc.

What’s your style?

I like to call it island chic or island edge.

What’s in your handbag?

My sleep mask, personal fan, wallet, Trident whitening gum, compact, Clarins super-restorative day cream, Gucci shades, car keys, Nikon Cool-pix camera, bag hanger, hand sanitiser, and cosmetic case.

Who does your hair?

Chris Care, formerly Ghilman Hair and Scalp Clinic. They use the best stuff and my hair is really pretty healthy! No complaints.

Who does your nails?

Sometimes Jencare, sometimes Adam and Eve, mostly Body Palace.

Flats or stilettos?

Both. I got these awesomely cute flats in cherry pink the other day — but then I definitely love to rock the stilettos for what it does to my legs, and actually sometimes it’s my cardio.

Jeans or LBD?

Either one, depending on my mood.

What’s your latest obsession?

Marilyn Monroe. She was such a va-va-voom woman. I’d LOVE to be like that, haha. What a figure!! But a 22-inch waist? She was way ahead of her time.

What’s on your iPod/in your car stereo?

My first album Sunday Kind of Love, Astrud Gilberto, Miles Davis, Stan Getz, and Shirley Bassey.

When did you actually know that this was it — you knew you wanted to be a singer?

Funny enough, there were two moments. The end of my teens when my dad had an album called Those Fabulous Ladies of Jazz that featured the usual suspects: Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington and Ella Fitzgerald. I was taken with the melodies and would get the ‘goosies’. I just wanted to be the one to give that to the world, too. The other moment was when a friend of mine gave me a Shirley Bassey cassette. He asked me if I knew the singer who did Goldfinger and I thought I did, but when I listened to it, I was like Whoa!! What?? This is me!! I would cry, I would shake, I would emote — the music was just dripping with quality…that’s when I knew if I could sing this to the world I would be so honoured and happy!

Who’s your musical idol and why?

Dame Shirley Bassey for sure. Now that’s a powerful voice. Her musical career is one I would love…clad in gowns and diamonds, singing with orchestras, such sophistication, such finesse. I just see me as her, and her as me.

So, you’re in the process of recording an album? What can we expect to hear?

It will be a mix of ideas. Uplifting, but not preachy. Fun, but not dumb. I’m pretty excited.

What’s your greatest pet peeve?

Unpleasant or disagreeable people. My mum always told me to be pleasant, and smile.

What’s your idea of the perfect man?

One who has his priorities straight — faith, finances, family, and friends. A man who can keep me laughing, is physically active, and one who can speak well.

What’s your idea of the perfect date?

Perfect for me would be a candle-lit dinner on the beach with Champagne tickling my nose and some great conversation and laughter. No quiet moments. I love to talk and talk…then to be whisked off to another location for some dessert to bring the evening to a perfect end.

What are your thoughts of Salut!?

Très bien! I think it’s a great concept. The idea of celebrating and supporting our talented caterers is long overdue, and highlighting our wine purveyors is also a solid idea, particularly for those who like a glass of bubbly, like I do from time to time.

Who or what inspires you?

Shirley Bassey inspires me, still. Her vocal range, she’s dripping with class, she’s a Dame. If she had passed away before I was born, I would have thought I was reincarnated from her. It’s a weird feeling to be inspired by someone who reminds me of myself.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

It came in a very stern way from music artiste Sister Nancy. After I had come off stage from an opening performance in Italy, she stuck her finger out and said: “Don’t stop! And don’t let anyone discourage you. You’ve got it!” It meant so much to me at the time because I was just about burning out…and ready to throw in the towel.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

I actually see myself living in the South of France or somewhere chic where there’s an endless flow of Champagne and fabulosity coming my way.