From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack.
Summertime (Gershwin). Off-Opera Jazzfest on the 10th of August 1994. Al Jarreau, vocals; Neil Larsen, keyboards; Charles Johnson, guitar and Steve Gadd on Drums. Al Jarreau was a groundbreaking artist in jazz, known for his distinctive vocal style that blended jazz, pop, R&B, and soul. He was a master of vocalese, a style in which singers use lyrics to mimic instrumental solos, which allowed him to “sing” like a saxophone or trumpet, an approach few others achieved with the same level of artistry. Jarreau’s voice was remarkably flexible, ranging from deep bass notes to falsetto, and he had an extraordinary ability to incorporate scat singing, vocal percussions, and rhythmic precision into his performances. His improvisational skills set him apart, making his concerts captivating and unique experiences. Jarreau was also an innovative storyteller through his music, breaking genre barriers by blending different styles and reaching a broad audience. He won seven Grammy Awards in three distinct categories—jazz, pop, and R&B—which underscored his versatility and widespread influence. His work on songs like “We’re in This Love Together,” “After All,” and his famous theme for the television show Moonlighting expanded his reach beyond traditional jazz listeners and brought new fans into the jazz world. Al Jarreau’s ability to connect with listeners across various genres has solidified his legacy as one of the most innovative and influential jazz vocalists.
