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Label:
  GRP - http://www.vervemusicgroup.com/
Serial:
  3145897772
Title:
  Al Jarreau: All I Got
Description:
  "All I Got"

Al Jarreau (vocals)
Track listing:
  1. Random Act of Love
2. Life Is
3. Never Too Late
4. Feels Like Heaven
5. Lost and Found
6. Secrets of Love
7. All I Got
8. Until You Love Me
9. Oasis
10. Jacaranda Bougainvillea
11. Route 66
Genre:
  Pop/Rock
Content:
  Stereo/Multichannel
Media:
  Single Layer
Recording type:
 
Recording info:
 

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Reviews: 3

Review by Monteverdi May 18, 2004 (3 of 3 found this review helpful)
Performance:   Sonics:
We’ve had the pleasure of enjoying and watching this imaginative singer/songwriter for well over 30 years. And while this may not be the ultimate Al Jarreau album, it is nonetheless, an amazing display of the focus and the artistic excellence of what this artist has maintained over the years.
I’m thrilled to have this disc as a 5.1 SACD. If only it had been a DSD original. The mix envelops the listener effectively. And in some instances, particularly in the opening track, you’ll know why you invested in your sub. I also find an affecting song in “Oasis”, set in “the big 6” of gospel worship. The duet with Joe Cocker is fun.
Our admitted love for this artist, and the astonishing number of marvelous songs that have moved from “hits” to something approaching standards, is only intensified and supported by this release. I only hope a greatest hits package finds it’s way to an SACD release soon.
©AE 2004

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Review by JW May 3, 2003 (2 of 2 found this review helpful)
Performance:   Sonics:
Never thought of seeing Bruce Cockburn and Al Jarreau on SACD so early in the game, but there we are. I used to have the entire Jarreau catalogue on vinyl and I have a few CD's. It would be great to see it all released on SACD. Al Jarreau must be counted as one of the most original voices in Jazz and modern music (Pop, Soul, Fusion, whatever moniker you may want to choose). Remember he is the only vocalist to earn Grammy awards for Jazz, Pop and Blues/Rock. Jarreau again mixes soft pop, jazz and soul into one album, plus one duet with Joe Cocker on track 5. Out of the 11 songs, 6 are Al Jarreau's. And the album also contains some positive messages addressing issues in South Africa and things like urban violence. This does not detract from the music by the way and it gives it some depth. Where Cowboy Junkies ("Open", as reviewed below) is dark, "All I Got" makes you feel good right from the first notes on track 1.

But this disc is all about catchy, accessible tunes. This is not meant as a derogatory statement because it is my view that Jarreau's voice and the instrumentation (oboe, synth, guitar, trombone, sax, french horn and trumpet) make sure that this disc will stand the test of time. But I do have a concern and that is...where is the innovation Al Jarreau is also famous for? For the AJ connoisseurs, I would say that musically this disc is closer to "Heaven and Earth" than "We Got By" or "Breakin' Away" or the excellent live album "Look To The Rainbow" which has more of Jarreau's signature, jazzy and sometimes dazzling vocals. Personally I prefer the Jazz singer in Al Jarreau than the hip-hopping and 'soular' Al Jarreau. In that mode he tends to get a little too smooth for my liking. I spot more of the Jazz singer in track 10 "Jacaranda Bougainvillea" than in the other tracks. So this is probably the only criticism I can find on this latest SACD. Good though it may be, it's approaching the dangerous border that crosses into the realm of 'over-produced' music. Sound quality is good, but I think it's a little hard-sounding on the brass and drums at times.

Follow-up : I have lowered the rating from Good to OK for this album. To more I listen to it the more I veer towards my 'concern' as voiced in the full review above. Let there be no mistake, Jarreau as an artist will always remain a favorite of mine and his capabilities are awesome. But this album is a little bit too 'light' for my taste. It will stand the test of time, but not on as high a plateau as his other work.

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Review by StyleAndEntertainmen May 28, 2005 (1 of 1 found this review helpful)
Performance:   Sonics:  
This is an album that has grown on me over the past few months. When I first bought it, I shared the concerns expressed by the other reviewers: light weight, poppish, over-produced. And you know what? It is! But, I can't help liking it anyway :) It's just a very listenable album. Jarreau is having a good time making it and you can tell. The tunes are catchy. It has high production values. Whether these are positive or negatives, I'll leave for you to decide. More and more I'm decicing I like and it finds it's way into my CD player with increasing frequency. The MC release is all I play and it sounds very tastey with very good sonics enveloping sound and no solos panning at you from the the rear speakers (crap I hate that).

Did Al sell out to make this album? Don't know, don't care. I do know I like to listen to it and I'm betting you will too! Recommended.

StyleAndEntertainment

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