Hard to believe, but at one time, Al Jarreau was just about the ONLY male jazz singer making a living. He crossed over to pop stardom as well, with hits like “We’re In This Love Together,” but don’t hold that against him, as he’s got one of the most infectious voices and deliveries known to mankind. He was making vocal percussion sounds before McFerrin, and that clever style comes out just right here on versions of “Agua de Beber” and “Scootcha Booty.” The backing orchestra conducted by Vince Mendoza is able to deliver lush backgrounds as on “Midnight Sun” or startling rhythmic drives as on the esxciting “Spain.” Jarreau’s still amazingly versatile, and still sounding better than 99% of the other guys out there.
Hard to believe, but at one time, Al Jarreau was just about the ONLY male jazz singer making a living. He crossed over to pop stardom as well, with hits like “We’re In This Love Together,” but don’t hold that against him, as he’s got one of the most infectious voices and deliveries known to mankind. He was making vocal percussion sounds before McFerrin, and that clever style comes out just right here on versions of “Agua de Beber” and “Scootcha Booty.” The backing orchestra conducted by Vince Mendoza is able to deliver lush backgrounds as on “Midnight Sun” or startling rhythmic drives as on the esxciting “Spain.” Jarreau’s still amazingly versatile, and still sounding better than 99% of the other guys out there.
Concord Jazz Records
www.concordmusicgroup.com