Boston Globe Jazz and Blues Festival

Al Jarreau

George Benson

Ramsey Lewis

Grover Washington, Jr.

Kenny G

The Manhattan Transfer

[Instruments] [Instruments] [Instruments] [Instruments] Al Jarreau

Al Jarreau Concert info

with special guests Boney James and Leroy Jones

At Harborlights
Saturday, June 28
7:30 p.m.
$33.50 and $26

Soundclips

Special guest Leroy Jones: Props for Pops -
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bio

Al Jarreau's unique vocal style is one of the world's great natural resources. His innovative musical expressions have made him one of the most exciting and critically acclaimed performers of our time, winning five Grammy Awards, scores of international music awards and popular accolades worldwide.


To commemorate 20 years of success, Jarreau has now released his first-ever compilation album, Best of Al Jarreau. The collection highlights 14 of Jarreau's best-known songs, alongside two new tracks produced by Jarreau's long-time friend, jazz giant George Duke.


Al Jarreau began singing at the age of four, and was soon harmonizing with his brothers and performing solo at a variety of local events in his hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After moving on to the University of Iowa to earn his Master's Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation, Jarreau relocated to San Francisco to begin a career in rehabilitation counseling.


It was there that Al's natural musical gifts began to shape his future. He found himself performing at a small jazz club with a trio headed by George Duke, and by the late 60's, he know without a doubt that he would make singing his life. He later gained national network television exposure and teamed with guitarist Julio Martinez to "spell" up-and-coming comics John Belushi, Bette Midler and others at the famed Los Angeles comedy venue, The Improv.


In 1975, following an extended stint at The Bla Bla Cafe in Los Angeles, he was spotted by Warner Bros. Records talent scouts and singed to a recording contract. His debut album for the label, We Got By, was released to unanimous acclaim, and it was a reception that spread across the continent and over the Atlantic where Jarreau was awarded a German Grammy for Best New International Soloist that same year. A second German Grammy came his way with the release of his follow-up album, Glow.


In 1977, Jarreau embarked on his first world tour, resulting in Look to the Rainbow, his double live album. That same year, he won a Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Performance. His fourth album, All Fly Home, was released in 1978 to further accolades and a second Grammy for Best Jazz Vocalist. It was followed by a string of innovative and original offerings, including 1980's This Time (certified gold), and the million-selling Breakin' Away, which brought him a broader audience and two more Grammys, awarded for Best Male Pop Vocalist and Best Male Jazz Vocalist.


1992's Heaven and Earth, for which he received his fifth Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance, made him one of the few artists to have won Grammys in the three categories of jazz, pop, and R&B.


schedule

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