| Tenacity can keep you in the music biz today and tomorrow. With a voice as
unique as an honest politician, Al Jarreau has maintained a level of
excellence for over 15 years. "I think it comes down to just loving it, I'm
tenacious about it and I'm going to be in there," Jarreau proudly stated.
It is that tenacity that has led Jarreau to his first studio release in five
years on GRP records titled, Tomorrow Today. Jarreau spoke with Metro
Connection about the challenges faced with this recording. "I wanted to do
some things that are a fresh listen but this was not a time for me to do a
bebop release or the symphony program that I am working on."
Tomorrow Today opens with the smooth soulful track "Just To Be Loved." "This
track sounds like the Al that People have heard before with that fresh kind
of feel you would hear a Babyface or a D'Angelo do," he said.
Jarreau does spin off into slightly different directions on the funky feel of
"In My Music." Jarreau expressed, "That is some Sly and the Family Stone funk
there and the title track is a Salsa with a message. I love Salsa." Vanessa
Williams joins Al on "God's Gift To The World."
"Something That You Said" is Al's lyrical working of the Weather Report
selection, "A Remark You Made." The CD closes with the hand clapping acapella
take on the Crusaders' track, "Put It Where You Want It" titled "Puddit."
Today Jarreau enjoys the success of his debut release on GRP, over 25 years
in the business and 30 years of marriage with his wife Suzan. Speaking on a
singing career and marriage Jarreau stated, "it's difficult because I'm gone
a lot and it's hard on the family life but we're intact."
Looking forward for what is happening in music tomorrow today Jarreau stated,
"It's impossible to guess. I just perform in a broad format with jazz kind of
floating underneath it all and that has helped me survive through the years."
Jarreau is currently touring with contemporary jazz heavy hitters George
Duke, and Rachelle Ferrell. The Hot Summer Nights 2001 Tour touches down at
Nissan Pavilion on August 11 at 8 p.m. You may have heard that the show was
slated for Merriweather Post Pavilion but due to a scheduling conflict the
show was moved to Nissan. If you are still holding tickets for the
Merriweather show you must get a refund at your point of purchase. Tickets
for the Nissan show are $10.59-$45.
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