Al Jarreau - Breakin' Away

"It's Like A Favorite Song That We Love To Sing . . . Every Time We Hear The Music"

Recorded in 1981, this classic Al Jarreau album, "Breakin' Away" was first introduced to me on an LP format by my younger sister who loves jazz and classical music as much as I do and was once a classical piano teacher who greatly influenced and molded the musical sensibilities of her young students. This is the very first album that made me appreciate his unique vocal artistry, and soon after, I bought my own copy when it first came out on a CD format. Considered as one of the best vocal jazz albums ever recorded, I never fail to listen to it every now and then. To date, I have collected and enjoyed some of his recordings that I considered the best of the best, which include Tenderness, Best of Al Jarreau, Accentuate the Positive and Givin' It Up, an awesome collaboration with a great guitarist/singer, George Benson. His latest compilation album, Love Songs, was released recently. Although I have listened and enjoyed all the songs in the repertoire on separated CDs, I still welcome it and certainly would love to add to my collection.

For the record, Mr. Jarreau is the only vocalist in the history of Grammy to win in three different categories - jazz, pop and R&B. As talented as he is, he's not only known for his unique vocal art, but also his scat ingenuity and his songwriting flair as well. All these musical qualities did not go unappreciated by his countless fans, which include a vast number of his fellow musicians, and the Grammy-powers-that-be for he won five major Grammy awards. Likewise, this son of a minister has earned his eternal star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2001 for his many talents and multiple awards.

With strings-a-plenty-arrangements by David Foster and Billy Byers (who also arranged some of Sinatra recordings), and rhythm arrangements by producer Jay Graydon, Tom Canning and Milko Leviev, Al Jarreau made sure that he has the finest musicians here, Tom Scott (horn), George Duke (fender rhodes), David Foster (piano), Steve Gadd (drums) and many others to support him with his spotless renditions of nine remarkable songs starting off with "Closer To Your Love" down to the most outstanding track, "Teach Me Tonight." If I have to choose the best-ever interpretation of this song, it will be this enchanting retire-the-trophy rendition. He made it his own with his soft and smooth reading of Sammy Cahn's lyric set to a charming melody by Gene de Paul. To my ears, this is the best interpretation ever recorded for this gem of a song -- this alone is worth the price of the CD.

"We're In This Love Together" is also a notable track where he shows off his flair for songwriting. He co-wrote it with Larry Williams and Andrew Ford.

"It's like a diamond ring
It's a precious thing
And we never want to lose it
It's like a favorite song
That we love to sing
Every time we hear the music."

This is one of Al Jarreau's classic recordings and a must-have to all his fans. With my heartfelt recommendation. March 18, 2008

Superb First Album By Mr. Jarreau...all time favorite and all time Classic!

Superb First Album By Mr. Jarreau...all time favorite and all time Classic!......Everytime that I can.I give it as a presents and by doing it so, I keep it's magic moving right along! February 22, 2008

YEAH! I WANNA DO DANCE UP ON THE ROOF

Been a fan since 'All Fly Home.' But, this one did it for me. 'We're In This Love Together', Roof Garden, Teach Me Tonight. Al owned the airwaves and my stereo with this. February 12, 2008

Al's Best Album

Thank you Amazon for having this album in CD form.
I had this album on tape from years ago, but it had worn from
all the times I had played it. This album is Al's alltime best.
The songs on it are classics. To me, this is the album that set
the highest mark of Al's career. Every artist has that ONE album
that is their best, and this is Al's. This album is a MUST in
your collection.

Thanks Amazon: Rockin'Ricky December 22, 2007

Easy Listening

I loved this CD!!! Al Jarreau is one of the best. This CD has alot of popular hits. I listen to it on my way to work, I don't get tired of it.
Buy it you won't be disappointed. August 14, 2007

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