I'm not sure how long poor old Al had to wait for the photographer to snap this, but boy doesn't he look bored out of his skull?! LOL. What he needs to do is listen to his own 1980 album, "This Time", to perk him up and reach the parts that other albums don't reach! I have been a fan of Al Jarreau as long as I can remember and his tunes never fail to raise a smile, put a spring in my step or chase the clouds away. Production on this essential release from 1980 comes from Jay Graydon, and if you're already a fan of both men then some idea should form of what this album is like. I will never tire of Jay's sound, nor Al's delivery and my only wish is that Al and Jay work together again on a new set. If you like positive, upbeat and jaunty songs, "Never Givin' Up" will be nothing short of life-affirming. A real 'fire in the belly' piece of music with such gaiety that no-one can remain grumpy within earshot.The sweet electric piano filled "Gimme What You Got" offers nothing short of aural perfection, and the 80s Hip-Hop sampled "Love Is Real" is still a great, summery number. My favourite song is "Alonzo", a track with seriously dreamy, warm glow. Al's vocals simply glide...his scat is gentle and everything about it sends me to heaven. Nearly 30 years have passed and this remains timeless. A firm favourite of many Jarreau fans is "Spain (I Can Recall)", which starts in a haunting, hushed fashion but soon transforms into a much more dramatic jazz scat. Excellent! If this is too jazzy for your particular tastes, the melody within "Distracted" should be more welcome, less fleeting and easier on the ear. Whatever your bent, I have no doubt at all that "Your Sweet Love" will be a song you lap up purely for the sheer soulfulness of the arrangement and the Ashford and Simpson styled piano led melody - think "Stay Free" and you're in the ballpark". The album finishes - all to shortly as it's a mere 9 tracker, being the 80s n' all - on a screamingly gorgeous note with the understated yet attention-grabbing "(A Rhyme) This Time". The Fender Rhodes and acoustic guitar are all that accompany Al Jarreau on this. What a gorgeous little song and one I would love to see the legend perform live. A truly lovely album from 1980, still available on CD.
Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe
The Vibe Scribe
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