Al Jarreau - 1965

A fascinating document from the very beginning of Al Jarreau's remarkable career. Recorded in June 1965 at Studio Four in Rock Island, Illinois, these performances capture a young Jarreau years before his international breakthrough, already displaying the adventurous phrasing, rhythmic imagination and vocal dexterity that would become his signature.

Backed by a jazz trio, Jarreau works through an outstanding selection of standards including “My Favorite Things,” “Stockholm Sweetnin',” “A Sleepin' Bee,” “The Masquerade Is Over,” “Sophisticated Lady,” “Come Rain or Come Shine” and “One Note Samba.” It's an unusually intimate opportunity to hear the formative sound of a vocalist who would become one of jazz and contemporary music's most distinctive voices.

This Bainbridge Records mono LP uses the Colossus Digital Stereo mastering/archive process and carries catalog number BT 6237. Sources date the U.S. release to 1983.