Al Jarreau shines
Al Jarreau’s unique vocal style is one of the world’s most precious treasures. His innovative musical expressions have made him one of the most exciting and critically-acclaimed performers of our time with seven Grammy® Awards, scores of international music awards and popular accolades worldwide.
Jarreau is headliner of the 2015 Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival. He’ll share the stage with Performer of the Year Marc Antoine and Steve Cole at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16 at Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.
In San Francisco, 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 ’60s, he knew without a doubt that he would make singing his life. Relocating to Los Angeles, he began his apprenticeship in such famed nightspots as Dino’s, the Troubadour and the Bitter End West. Shortly thereafter, he branched out to New York City as well, where he gained national network television exposure with Johnny Carson, Merv Griffin, David Frost and Mike Douglas. Al teamed with guitarist Julio Martinez to “spell” up-and-coming comics John Belushi, Bette Midler, Robert Klein, David Brenner, Jimmie Walker and others at the famed comedy venue, The Improv.
In 1999, for the first time, Al Jarreau teamed up with symphony orchestras throughout the U.S. and Europe performing his most popular hits as never heard before as well as some favorites from Broadway and the classics, which received outstanding review. Al continues to perform symphony shows on a regular basis.
Jarreau received his own Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in March 2001, commemorating his status as one of the best singers of his generation.
Early in 2008, Al hand picked his favorite romantic tunes spanning three decades for his Love Songs, a 14-track compilation that was released in January 2008 on Rhino/Warner Music Group. He also helped the Playboy Jazz Festival celebrate its 30-year anniversary by headlining a sold-out opening night at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
A few months later on October 14, 2008, Al released his first-ever Yuletide album, Christmas. The album features his warm and inimitable voice interpreting a dozen holiday classics, including ”The Christmas Song”, “Winter Wonderland” and “Carol Of The Bells”.
Some of the albums represented include 1976’s Glow (“Rainbow In Your Eyes” one of Al’s first ever charting tunes), 1977’s Look to the Rainbow (“Take Five”), 1980’s This Time (“Spain”, “Never Givin’ Up”).
Al continues to tour extensively worldwide, with his sextet and symphony shows, and is currently in the studio working on a new album.
A Paris, France native, Antoine’s parents bought him a guitar as a child; it has never left his side. Even when an accident threatened his career in 1981, his instrument gave him the inspiration to recover and become the musician he is today. The legendary George Benson honored Marc with the compliment of being “one of his favorite guitarists.”
Cole followed in his father’s footsteps, and trained classically on clarinet, only to switch to sax in high school. It became his passion. After graduating college, Steve started playing for TV commercials, radio and finally went out on his own. In 2001 he hit the charts on the jazz classic “Just the Two of Us” with Bill Withers and Grover Washington.
