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Everyone knows that Al Jarreau is one of the most famous living jazz voices, yet, who knows how many were surprised, or disappointed, listening to him in his now customary guise as a sophisticated pop singer, a fate that in many ways he shares with another great (ex?) jazz artist, George Benson.
This "Jarreau" from 1984, halfway between pop and jazz, lets us listen to some gems from the repertoire of this acrobatic vocalist who shows off his vocal range as an experienced scat-man, in elegant pop atmospheres, surrounded by the crème de la crème of overseas session men.
The playlist sparkles: catchy and refined "Mornin’", "Step By Step", "Trouble In Paradise", and "Love Is Waiting" possess all the class that today's charts lack, and even the appealing 'dance' interference by pianist Michael Omartian, "Boogie Down", would make a night at the disco bearable.
With solos by Jay Graydon (guitar) and Tom Canning (keyboards), he pays tribute to the blues and, implicitly, to unfortunate heroes like Roy Buchanan, Johnny Winter, and Rory Gallagher in the classic "Black And Blues" while, quoting a famous Stevie Wonder title, the beginning of "Save Me" sounds more relevant than ever: "… someone wrote just yesterday / love’s in need of love today / will there be none tomorrow".
A noteworthy mention for the ballads "I Will Be Here For You" and "This Time", good compositions but which Al's voice, rich in extraordinary flute-like tones and chiaroscuro, transforms into songs that pamper the ear.
In conclusion, "Jarreau" remains a testament to the crystalline class of the Milwaukee psychologist, where some small concessions to the market are more than compensated by the quality of the compositions and his precious interpretation of the concept of "pop music".
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
01 Ain't No Sunshine (02:00)
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
It's not warm when she's away
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
And she's always gone too long
Anytime she goes away
I wonder this time where she's gone
Wonder how long she's gonna stay
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
And this house just ain't no home
Anytime she goes away
Well I know I know I know I know
When she's gone
Always gone too long
Anytime she goes away
Anytime she goes away
Anytime she goes
02 Lean on Me (04:13)
Sometimes in our lives we all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow
Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on.
Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you don't let show
Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
If there is a load you have to bear
That you can't carry
I'm right up the road I'll share your load
If you just call me
So just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'd understand
We all need somebody to lean on
Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
Till I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
Lean on me...
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