Al Jarreau

His career mirrors G. Benson’s (both are complex jazz artists who draw from a plethora of influences and both have found so much success in the Rhythm and Blues field that it has taken them away from the jazz idioms they have mastered ). If he had started his career earlier Jarreau would probably be a respected (and broke) jazz singer. But Al Jarreau has learned to slip in a few masterful improvisatory pieces in with his Adult Contemporary and Rhythm and Blues bread and butter.

Al Jarreau video

Thankfully, his commercial material is very good, but hip hop has somewhat impacted the popularity of many solid Soul singers and he has concentrated on doing more jazz material during the last few years. 1994’s Tenderness is a breathtaking mainstream document of an artist at the top of his game. He continues to spellbind audiences at jazz festivals around the world.
( Nick Dedina )