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Al Jarreau is your man for soulful vocals and genre-bending rhythms. This legendary singer ruled the charts with his 1981 album 'Breakin' Away,' a masterpiece of Los Angeles Jazz and R&B. Not only did it top the Pop charts for two years, but it also snagged Jarreau a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 1982.
But Breakin' Away was just one gem in Jarreau's incredible career. He was a vocalist who defied categories, scatting and soaring across jazz, soul, and R&B.
"We're In This Love Together": This catchy tune from the "Breakin' Away" album became Al Jarreau's biggest commercial success, showcasing his crossover appeal and earning him wider recognition. As Jarreau and producer Jay Graydon sifted through songs in search of a hit single, they stumbled upon "We're In This Love Together" at the bottom of the box. Graydon famously remarked, "This better be our hit."
Although the song became closely associated with Jarreau, it wasn't originally written for him. Co-writer Keith Stegall revealed that the song was intended for Jarreau's Warner Bros. labelmates Neil Larsen and Buzz Feiten for their 1980 album, The Larsen-Feiten Band. It was mistakenly given to Jarreau, who turned it into a signature hit. Interestingly, the song was initially pitched to Johnny Mathis, who didn't respond. Mathis later covered it in his 2008 album, A Night to Remember. This serendipitous twist of fate brought Jarreau a defining hit, cementing his place in music history.
Forget the sterile perfection of a studio recording. For Al Jarreau, concerts were the heart and soul of music. Studios were just an invitation, a way to say, "Hey, come experience the real magic live!"
His shows were anything but ordinary. They were interactive, unpredictable, and guaranteed to leave you buzzing. "If you want the same old, same old," Jarreau said, "stay home with the record player." His concerts were about being present, about feeling the music come alive in the moment. And with each performance, he pushed himself to create an even more unforgettable experience.
Al Jarreau wasn't just a singer, he was a conductor, leading the audience on a thrilling musical journey.
Al Jarreau's musical journey is as unique as his sound. Starting with degrees in psychology and vocational rehabilitation, Jarreau's path to stardom was far from ordinary. At Ripon College, he sang with a group called the Indigos, graduating in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. By 1964, he had earned a master's degree in vocational rehabilitation from the University of Iowa. While working as a rehabilitation counselor in San Francisco, Jarreau moonlighted with a jazz trio led by the legendary George Duke, culminating in a memorable live performance at The Half Note Club in 1965. This intriguing backstory adds depth to the soulful artistry that would earn Jarreau seven Grammy Awards and a place in music history.
Al Jarreau's incredible vocal range, scatting abilities, and emotionally charged performances set him apart, making him a beloved figure among music lovers. His legendary talent was showcased when he won Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Male, at the 1982 GRAMMY Awards for his rendition of Dave Brubeck’s "Blue Rondo a la Turk." Jarreau's joy was palpable as he accepted the award, even singing along to the Turkish-inspired melody during his heartfelt speech. Known for writing lyrics for not only his own music but also classic pieces like "Blue Rondo a la Turk," Jarreau's unique artistry continues to inspire and resonate.
Explore the essential Al Jarreau, with this curated Spotify playlist that spans the impressive breadth of Al's musical catalog. This collection features a dynamic range of his work, each song showcasing his innovative approach to music. Perfect for longtime fans and newcomers alike, this playlist is a vibrant celebration of Al's enduring influence in the music world.
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Craving a smooth blend of Al Jarreau classics and unexpected covers? Look no further than "Tenderness," his 1994 masterpiece. This live album (actually recorded in the studio with a lucky audience!) is a treasure trove for music lovers.
Picture this: Jarreau, backed by a killer band, pours his heart into beloved hits like "We Got By" and "You Don't See Me." Then he surprises you with soulful takes on legends like Elton John and Carole King, before diving back into his own incredible catalog. It's a captivating journey through his musical world, filled with familiar favorites and fresh discoveries.
So, if you're looking for an evening of pure vocal magic and genre-bending brilliance, "Tenderness" is your ticket. Prepare to be swept away by Al Jarreau's unmatched talent and the sheer joy of live music.
Al Jarreau was born to sing. Growing up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, his early life was steeped in music, particularly during the soul-stirring gospel services he attended every Sunday with his family. These experiences were not just routine; they were the bedrock of his musical foundation, deeply influencing his vocal style and artistic expression. This grounding in gospel music allowed Jarreau to develop a unique versatility, enabling him to effortlessly traverse across jazz, pop, and R&B genres. His rich, emotive voice and innovative vocal techniques later defined his career, captivating audiences around the world and setting the stage for a legendary journey through the realms of music.
Al Jarreau was one of the many notable artists who participated in the recording of "We Are the World," the charity single written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie. Jarreau contributed his distinctive vocals as part of the USA for Africa supergroup, which included some of the biggest names in music at the time. His involvement in this iconic project highlighted his status as a respected and influential artist in the music industry. The song aimed to raise funds for famine relief in Africa and became a massive success, both commercially and in terms of its humanitarian impact.
Al Jarreau wasn't your typical jazz purist. While he revered the greats and built his sound on their swinging rhythms and smoky melodies, he craved more. "Jazz is my backbone," he'd say with a mischievous glint, "but where's the magic in just playing it straight?"
For Jarreau, jazz was a living conversation, not a museum exhibit. He thrived on improvisation, weaving fresh sonic tapestries from jazz history. "We all share those roots," he'd acknowledge, before adding with a grin, "but I can't be boxed in. Call me a jazz singer, but any true music lover knows I'm a genre bender."
Jarreau infused gospel's soulful wail and the smooth swagger of R&B into his unique sound. His ultimate wish? "That they dig the whole package," he'd say with a wink.
Al Jarreau is your man for soulful vocals and genre-bending rhythms. This legendary singer ruled the charts with his 1981 album 'Breakin' Away,' a masterpiece of Los Angeles Jazz and R&B. Not only did it top the Pop charts for two years, but it also snagged Jarreau a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 1982.
But Breakin' Away was just one gem in Jarreau's incredible career. He was a vocalist who defied categories, scatting and soaring across jazz, soul, and R&B.
Al Jarreau's musical journey is as unique as his sound. Starting with degrees in psychology and vocational rehabilitation, Jarreau's path to stardom was far from ordinary. At Ripon College, he sang with a group called the Indigos, graduating in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. By 1964, he had earned a master's degree in vocational rehabilitation from the University of Iowa. While working as a rehabilitation counselor in San Francisco, Jarreau moonlighted with a jazz trio led by the legendary George Duke, culminating in a memorable live performance at The Half Note Club in 1965. This intriguing backstory adds depth to the soulful artistry that would earn Jarreau seven Grammy Awards and a place in music history.
Al Jarreau was one of the many notable artists who participated in the recording of "We Are the World," the charity single written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie. Jarreau contributed his distinctive vocals as part of the USA for Africa supergroup, which included some of the biggest names in music at the time. His involvement in this iconic project highlighted his status as a respected and influential artist in the music industry. The song aimed to raise funds for famine relief in Africa and became a massive success, both commercially and in terms of its humanitarian impact.
Al Jarreau's incredible vocal range, scatting abilities, and emotionally charged performances set him apart, making him a beloved figure among music lovers. His legendary talent was showcased when he won Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Male, at the 1982 GRAMMY Awards for his rendition of Dave Brubeck’s "Blue Rondo a la Turk." Jarreau's joy was palpable as he accepted the award, even singing along to the Turkish-inspired melody during his heartfelt speech. Known for writing lyrics for not only his own music but also classic pieces like "Blue Rondo a la Turk," Jarreau's unique artistry continues to inspire and resonate.
Forget the sterile perfection of a studio recording. For Al Jarreau, concerts were the heart and soul of music. Studios were just an invitation, a way to say, "Hey, come experience the real magic live!"
His shows were anything but ordinary. They were interactive, unpredictable, and guaranteed to leave you buzzing. "If you want the same old, same old," Jarreau said, "stay home with the record player." His concerts were about being present, about feeling the music come alive in the moment. And with each performance, he pushed himself to create an even more unforgettable experience.
Al Jarreau wasn't just a singer, he was a conductor, leading the audience on a thrilling musical journey.
Al Jarreau wasn't your typical jazz purist. While he revered the greats and built his sound on their swinging rhythms and smoky melodies, he craved more. "Jazz is my backbone," he'd say with a mischievous glint, "but where's the magic in just playing it straight?"
For Jarreau, jazz was a living conversation, not a museum exhibit. He thrived on improvisation, weaving fresh sonic tapestries from jazz history. "We all share those roots," he'd acknowledge, before adding with a grin, "but I can't be boxed in. Call me a jazz singer, but any true music lover knows I'm a genre bender."
Jarreau infused gospel's soulful wail and the smooth swagger of R&B into his unique sound. His ultimate wish? "That they dig the whole package," he'd say with a wink.
Al Jarreau was born to sing. Growing up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, his early life was steeped in music, particularly during the soul-stirring gospel services he attended every Sunday with his family. These experiences were not just routine; they were the bedrock of his musical foundation, deeply influencing his vocal style and artistic expression. This grounding in gospel music allowed Jarreau to develop a unique versatility, enabling him to effortlessly traverse across jazz, pop, and R&B genres. His rich, emotive voice and innovative vocal techniques later defined his career, captivating audiences around the world and setting the stage for a legendary journey through the realms of music.
"We're In This Love Together": This catchy tune from the "Breakin' Away" album became Al Jarreau's biggest commercial success, showcasing his crossover appeal and earning him wider recognition. As Jarreau and producer Jay Graydon sifted through songs in search of a hit single, they stumbled upon "We're In This Love Together" at the bottom of the box. Graydon famously remarked, "This better be our hit."
Although the song became closely associated with Jarreau, it wasn't originally written for him. Co-writer Keith Stegall revealed that the song was intended for Jarreau's Warner Bros. labelmates Neil Larsen and Buzz Feiten for their 1980 album, The Larsen-Feiten Band. It was mistakenly given to Jarreau, who turned it into a signature hit. Interestingly, the song was initially pitched to Johnny Mathis, who didn't respond. Mathis later covered it in his 2008 album, A Night to Remember. This serendipitous twist of fate brought Jarreau a defining hit, cementing his place in music history.
Thundercat's 2020 album It Is What It Is received widespread acclaim for its intricate blend of jazz, funk, and R&B, showcasing his musical dexterity and emotional depth. The album features notable collaborations with artists like Steve Lacy, Ty Dolla $ign, and Childish Gambino, and includes standout tracks such as "Dragonball Durag," "Black Qualls," and "Fair Chance."
It Is What It Is was critically successful, making it to numerous year-end lists, including Consequence of Sound's Top 50 Albums of 2020 (ranked 14th) and Exclaim!'s 50 Best Albums of 2020 (ranked 12th). The album also saw commercial success, with tracks like "Dragonball Durag" becoming viral hits and significantly boosting Thundercat's presence in the music industry. The album's blend of complex musical arrangements and heartfelt lyrics has solidified Thundercat's reputation as a leading figure in modern jazz and funk music
Best served with family and friends.
If anchovies, shrimp, sausage and bacon sound like pasta heaven to you then this is a must try recipe. We know you will have as much fun making it as you do tasting it and that this meal brings you as much joy as it brought to Joe's home and family.
If you ever pay attention to Joe’s piano performance you would notice his shoulders leaning into the notes and the chords, creating a passion both delicate and driving. As a piano player using both hands, the only way to conduct a band is through their shoulders, something he was a master of.
Joes love for the original Fender Rhodes:
Joe learned of Fender Rhodes selling the brand to CBS, at the same time he also heard Stevie Wonder was down at the factory and had just bought 8 Fender Rhodes. Concerned there may be changes to the keyboard due to new ownership, Joe rush to the factory himself and proceeded to buy three units: one for touring, one for the studio, and one for parts.
Craving a smooth blend of Al Jarreau classics and unexpected covers? Look no further than "Tenderness," his 1994 masterpiece. This live album (actually recorded in the studio with a lucky audience!) is a treasure trove for music lovers.
Picture this: Jarreau, backed by a killer band, pours his heart into beloved hits like "We Got By" and "You Don't See Me." Then he surprises you with soulful takes on legends like Elton John and Carole King, before diving back into his own incredible catalog. It's a captivating journey through his musical world, filled with familiar favorites and fresh discoveries.
So, if you're looking for an evening of pure vocal magic and genre-bending brilliance, "Tenderness" is your ticket. Prepare to be swept away by Al Jarreau's unmatched talent and the sheer joy of live music.
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