Singing Inspiration: Al Jarreau

Legendary singer Al Jarreau passed away a couple of years ago at the age of 76. His vocal versatility and infectious energy led to huge commercial success in the 1970s and 1980s.

I've been rediscovering Jarreau. He was a musical hero to me. I remember attending one of his concerts in Hartford, CT, while in college, and being just blown away by his unique voice. The New York Times noted:

Critics were particularly taken by his improvisational dexterity, in particular his virtuosic ability to produce an array of vocalizations ranging from delicious nonsense to clicks and growls to quasi-instrumental sounds.
     Although he made his initial mark in the jazz world, Mr. Jarreau’s style, and his audience, crossed stylistic barriers. His music incorporated elements of pop, soul, gospel, Latin and other genres. It was a mark of his eclecticism that he won six Grammys across three different categories: jazz, pop and R&B. 

Take Five

One of Jarreau's hits was a cover of Paul Desmond's Take Five, written for the Dave Brubeck Quartet - and famous for its bright sound and infectious 5/4 time. Brubeck's wife Iola wrote lyrics for the tune, and Al Jarreau recorded his scat version of it for a live concert in 1975. 

Here's my homage to Al's plea to the woman of his dreams to... take a little time out with him... just Take Five: