He was one those performers who transcended a style. I've never been a fan of "smooth jazz" and had no interest in him, but a friend loved him and she dragged me to a show at the Greek in the '80s.
I figured it would just be a nice night out with my lovely friend and I'd endure the music, but almost immediately I was mesmerized by his very appealing and classy style and his voice just blew me away. I became a fan that night and that show is one I've always remembered. He's another who I connect to the Greek and any time I hear him I can smell eucalyptus.
After that I saw him a number of times over the years and never gave his "style" a thought, I always just loved how damn good he was.
Hey Lance, was that Greek show with David Sanborn? I went to that. Was in the front row, thanks to BGP and Fillmore Fingers.
Al Jarreau did one of the most amazing things I ever saw. There were just a few times when I witnessed a musician transcend the "normal".
One, that stands out was a Buddy Rich solo. One of the others was that night with Al Jarreau.
People were still filing back to their seats after a break. It was pitch dark on the stage and there was this flute playing.
The flute began to get louder as if the sound person was slowly boosting the signal. All the talking began to die down and as it became apparent to everyone that something was happening on the stage, the crowd became quiet.
As slowly as the flute got louder, a single spot light began to shine on Jarreau seated on a stool at a microphone.
It wasn't a flute. It was his voice! The effect was so amazing I got goose bumps and was almost moved to tears. It was one of the sweetest intros I'd ever seen.
Some people started to applaud, but then realized what was happening and got quiet again. Gradually, the band began to come on stage and play with him and move into a song. I can't remember what the song was. I was sitting so close and could not see him until the light started to come up. I could not tell the difference between his voice and a real flute and I played flute for 3 years! He had the sound so down.
While I've forgotten most of the rest of that night, that part is etched in my brain. The man was way more than Pop or Smooth Jazz. His voice was an amazing instrument and he could play just about anything with it. Simply one of the greatest. RIP.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Strangha
http://www.huffingtonpost.com
He built some bridges.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: _________
He has Some Cool Songs
He has Some Cool Songs
RIP AL......
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Lance minimum goad Newberry
He was great. I saw quite a
He was a brilliant singer & talent.
He was one those performers who transcended a style. I've never been a fan of "smooth jazz" and had no interest in him, but a friend loved him and she dragged me to a show at the Greek in the '80s.
I figured it would just be a nice night out with my lovely friend and I'd endure the music, but almost immediately I was mesmerized by his very appealing and classy style and his voice just blew me away. I became a fan that night and that show is one I've always remembered. He's another who I connect to the Greek and any time I hear him I can smell eucalyptus.
After that I saw him a number of times over the years and never gave his "style" a thought, I always just loved how damn good he was.
Damn you 2017!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: _________
https://www.youtube.com
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=al+jarreau
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: roland
Just cancelled his tour a few
Just cancelled his tour a few days ago. Wow. RIP.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: cb
RIP
RIP
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Mylar
Hey Lance, was that Greek
Hey Lance, was that Greek show with David Sanborn? I went to that. Was in the front row, thanks to BGP and Fillmore Fingers.
Al Jarreau did one of the most amazing things I ever saw. There were just a few times when I witnessed a musician transcend the "normal".
One, that stands out was a Buddy Rich solo. One of the others was that night with Al Jarreau.
People were still filing back to their seats after a break. It was pitch dark on the stage and there was this flute playing.
The flute began to get louder as if the sound person was slowly boosting the signal. All the talking began to die down and as it became apparent to everyone that something was happening on the stage, the crowd became quiet.
As slowly as the flute got louder, a single spot light began to shine on Jarreau seated on a stool at a microphone.
It wasn't a flute. It was his voice! The effect was so amazing I got goose bumps and was almost moved to tears. It was one of the sweetest intros I'd ever seen.
Some people started to applaud, but then realized what was happening and got quiet again. Gradually, the band began to come on stage and play with him and move into a song. I can't remember what the song was. I was sitting so close and could not see him until the light started to come up. I could not tell the difference between his voice and a real flute and I played flute for 3 years! He had the sound so down.
While I've forgotten most of the rest of that night, that part is etched in my brain. The man was way more than Pop or Smooth Jazz. His voice was an amazing instrument and he could play just about anything with it. Simply one of the greatest. RIP.
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RIP Great story Mylar!
RIP
Great story Mylar!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Lord Kalvert
scheist - Missed that one-
scheist - Missed that one-
bummer- heard him on the radio just the other day
Always dug his style- sad.
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Lance and Mylar's posts
Lance and Mylar's posts encouraged me to give Al some reconsideration. Spinning his 1976 LP "Glow" right now. Digging it.
Here's Al's take on James Taylor's "Fire and Rain" from that album:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rOLgtBDteuQ
Thanks for the music, Mr. Jarreau!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Bobby M
Sad to hear of Al's passing.
Sad to hear of Al's passing.
A great talent and from what I read a great guy too.
Great story about the flute singing. He did other instruments with his voice too.