I have loved Al Jarreau for decades. I first heard the romantic song "After All". Then I heard the upbeat "Mornin'". Then I heard the theme song "Moonlighting" on that TV show (which I also loved, by the way). I loved them all. I bought the album "Breaking Away" back in the 80s. I recently bought the "The Very Best Of" CD and have discovered him all over again.
I love jazz, particularly Dave Brubeck, and Al does amazing things on this CD with "Take Five" and "Blue Rondo a la TurK". As the CD insert says, "he fearlessly tackled the challenge of improvising in the tricky 5/4 meter". I never imagined lyrics to "Rondo" but he and Dave Brubeck wrote them for this "virtuosic vocal" ("melody married to harmony"). It is simply a joy to listen to, energetic and inventive.
We saw Al at an outdoor concert in the 80s. Wow! When he sang "Boogie Down" the whole place was up dancing and rocking. A great memory! I feel the same way every time I listen to it.
I have been trying to post some of his songs here from YouTube but can't make it work. After I go visit the Genius Bar I will try again. I just couldn't wait to share this!
Just saw your post about him on facebook...not sure i know his songs, though if i heard one i'd probably recognize it!
ReplyDeleteIsn't he wonderful? sigh I am also huge fan of Moonlighting and was so upset when they couldn't get along and refused to sign another contract. What a waste of talent. They were brilliant together. Dee
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to put some of his songs up on my blog. Then you can hear some!
ReplyDeleteI have heard from so many people who were fans of Moonlighting. You can buy them on DVD from Amazon. I just bought season one.
Bearette, I'm so glad you found me on facebook!
ReplyDeleteDee, they really were brilliant together. I haven't liked him as much in any other role. He was charming and funny in Moonlighting.
ReplyDeleteHey Judy - copy and paste this into your browser bar - it's a video made by blogger that shows how easy it is to add videos to your blog. They have tons of easy tutorial videos. xo S
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/BloggerHelp#p/u/0/TwQPsWDKdIA
& more help
http://www.google.com/support/blogger/?hl=en
Hi Susan, I've been trying this, but I just get the embed code showing on my blog instead of the video. I know, it's weird; I'm following the instructions but it doesn't work for me. It makes me feel singled out for some reason; it works for everyone but me. That's why I want to go and ask the Apple store why it's not working.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for you interest!
Susan, I sent you an email.
ReplyDeleteAre you making sure that you've pasted it in your blog with the "html" menu option pressed rather than the "compose" option - I think that's your problem.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed