Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Clearwater Jazz Holiday: Al Jarreau


Word is that Al Jarreau is the artist slated to headline opening night at the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, in the slot now listed as "special announcement -- coming soon."

Jarreau is certainly a gifted singer, and his early recordings were strongly rooted in jazz. I remember being knocked out by his version of Chick Corea's "Spain," from Jarreau's album This Time, released in 1989.

But for the majority of his career, Jarreau has worked a fairly bland pop-jazz/contemporary jazz vein. Pretty, but pretty lightweight.

I'd crossed my fingers that, at least for the headlining act on opening night, the Jazz Holiday might have booked a major jazz artist -- Sonny Rollins, anyone?

Not gonna happen. Sigh (again).

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Marcus Roberts, sunday the 18th @ 4pm for the win.