In memory of Al Jarreau

You know an artist's music has moved you when you're caught off guard by his obituary and let out a sharp "Nooooooooo!"  I was extremely saddened to learn of Al Jarreau's passing today at age 76.  If you've read this blog for any length of time, you might have gleaned that Jarreau is one of my favorite singers.  I knew that I could buy any of his albums, even without hearing any of the tunes ahead of time, and I would never be disappointed.  These are 15 of his best tunes, in my opinion:

• Across The Midnight Sky (To this day, I've only heard this tune on the radio once.  That's a shame, as its dreamy vibe catches fire early and makes it one of Jarreau's best, most overlooked tracks.  In 1989, I saw a great Al Jarreau concert at The Muny, with stellar opening act Take 6.  My ears perked up when Jarreau said, "Here's a tune that doesn't get played on the radio a lot," before launching into the tune.  My date that night has mentioned how much she enjoyed that concert at each of our class reunions.)
• After All (One of Jarreau's smoothest, most accessible ballads.  I'm still puzzled that it wasn't a hit.)
• Blue Skies (One of the coolest versions of "Blue Skies," sung at a breakneck pace.  Short of pairing this with a frantic piece, such as "Sabre Dance," it seemed best, when playing this on KCOU's "Jazz Odyssey," to return to a more sedate tempo in the next track.)
• The Christmas Song (As much as I enjoy the rich vocals of Nat King Cole's rendition, I like Jarreau's 1982 recording even more.  Vocally and instrumentally, this is a warm blanket of an arrangement that I never tire of hearing each December.)
• Distracted (A somewhat overlooked track from Jarreau's album, "This Time."  I remember hearing it on the radio only sparingly during the '80s and early '90s.  Jarreau maintains a steady midtempo groove that deserves more airplay.)
• Jacaranda Bougainvillea (Live with The Metropole Orkest) (Jarreau sings tenderly about trees and flowers as metaphors for hope; the orchestra enhances the song's optimistic vibe.)
• Just To Be Loved (The second song ever played on our former smooth jazz station, WSSM.  It sports one of Jarreau's most inviting choruses and should be played more often today.)
• Letter Perfect (Live) (A great concert opener showcasing some of Jarreau's best vocal acrobatics and scatting; it's one of several highlights from his "Look To The Rainbow" album.)
• Mornin' (Jarreau's sunniest vocals; to my ears, it's a strong highlight of Jarreau's most appealing album, "Jarreau."  Also recommended: "Save Me," "Love Is Waiting," "Trouble In Paradise," "I Will Be Here For You," and, really, the rest of the album.)
• Roof Garden ("Roof Garden" is equally infectious in its studio incarnation or live, as I discovered at that 1989 concert.  Its steppin'-out-on-the-town-for-the-evening arrangement is instantly welcoming.) 
• Save Your Love For Me (Live) (The song's opening, a descending scale of four bass notes, sets the mood immediately, and Jarreau's vocals soar.)
• Somehow Our Love Survives (Joe Sample with Al Jarreau) (One of many highlights from keyboardist Joe Sample's excellent release, "Spellbound."  Sample lays down an appealing, uptempo keyboard part, and Jarreau's vocals invite the listener to sing along.)
• Step By Step (One of the most appealing uptempo tracks on the "Jarreau" album; this was the cassette I listened to most frequently during college, especially in the laundry room.  The tune never failed to brighten my mood, no matter how often I heard it.)
• Take Five (Live) (A great interpretation of the Dave Brubeck standard; another "Look To The Rainbow" concert highlight, with extended stretches of Jarreau's impressive vocal acrobatics and scatting.)
• We're In This Love Together (Jarreau's biggest hit, with lyrics and an arrangement that hold up.  In a more just world, Jarreau would have had far more hits.  In my view, his "Breakin' Away" album had more potential hits, such as "Roof Garden," on it.)