AL JARREAU - All I Got (2002) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Al Jarreau hits you with all he's got on his second release for the GRP/Verve recording label. The 11-song program, appropriately titled All I Got, features Jarreau's imaginative vocal stylings, lots of innovative urban sensibilities, and top-tier performances from a stellar band that includes his longtime musical director, Freddie Ravel, and a duet with guest star Joe Cocker. Urban innovation is more than a buzzword here. The urban sound of producer Paul Brown imparts a soulful message on such songs as "Random Act of Love,""Secrets of Love," the title track, and the very hip a cappella rendition of "Route 66," each of which reflects Jarreau's pioneered use of unfolding a musical story layer by layer. A prime example is his reverse take on street violence called "Random Act of Love," something this world desperately needs. Instead of just another range of excessive scatting and vocal gymnastics, Jarreau presents his listeners with real-world concepts that make a difference in your interpretations of these aural pleasures. He becomes a vehicle of revelation on the gospel-tinged "Feels Like Heaven to Me." On the other side of his musical personality is the lovely fullness of "Until You Love Me" and "Jacaranda Bougainvillea," both of which feature a string orchestra set against an oasis of vocal skills. Overall, All I Got showcases the award-winning Jarreau's unmistakable stylistic diversity in settings that are fluid, soulful, jazzy, and romantic. In some ways, the music even exceeds the versatility heard on the critically acclaimed Tomorrow Today. by Paula Edelstein  
Credits:
Backing Vocals – Bridgette Bryant-Fiddmont (tracks: 5), Caleb Simms (tracks: 6, 8), David Woods (tracks: 2), John Stoddart (tracks: 3), Kurt Lykes (tracks: 2), Ryan Jarreau (tracks: 7), Sherree Ford (tracks: 4), Siedah Garrett (tracks: 1), Susan Jarreau (tracks: 7), Trina Broussard (tracks: 3), Wendy Moten (tracks: 5)
Bass – Chris Walker (tracks: 7, 10), Larry Kimpel (tracks: 1, 5, 8), Roberto Wally (tracks: 3)
Drums – Jota Morelli (tracks: 7, 10), Steven Dubin (tracks: 1, 4), Teddy Campbell (tracks: 5, 8)
French Horn – Brad Warnaar (tracks: 8, 10), Nathan Campbell (tracks: 8, 10), Rick Todd (tracks: 8, 10)
Guitar – Darrell Crooks (tracks: 1), Paul Jackson Jr. (tracks: 2, 3), Ross Bolton (tracks: 7, 10), Tony Maiden (tracks: 5, 8)
Keyboards – David Torkanowsky (tracks: 3), Freddie Ravel (tracks: 7, 10), Jeff Lorber (tracks: 4), Larry Williams (tracks: 3, 8, 10), Manuel Seal (tracks: 4), Nelson Jackson (tracks: 1), Randy Kerber (tracks: 3), Rex Rideout (tracks: 6, 8), Ricky Peterson (tracks: 5, 8), Robbie Nevil (tracks: 1, 4), Tom Canning (tracks: 5)
Oboe – Jon Clarke (tracks: 8)
Percussion – Arno Lucas (tracks: 7, 10), Paulinho Da Costa (tracks: 2, 3, 5, 6, 8)
Saxophone – Dan Higgins (tracks: 2, 5, 7), Joe Turano (tracks: 7), Kirk Whalum (tracks: 9)
Trombone – Bill Reichenbach (tracks: 2, 5, 7)
Trumpet – Jerry Hey (tracks: 2, 5, 7)
Vocals – Al Jarreau, Joe Cocker (tracks: 5)