Search - Al Jarreau :: This Time

A Masterpiece

07/23/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This timeless album shows Al Jarreau at his greatest. If you're not sure which Al Jarreau album to buy, start with this one. You will not be disappointed. My favorite song on this album has always been "Alonzo", with "Gimme What You Got" close behind. The entire album is great. You'll enjoy it. Don't pass on this one."

Wonderful

03/15/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a must-have if you're a real Jarreau fan. Wonderful music. The slew of Grammys didn't come until a year or two later when Al came out with Breaking Away but This Time might have been even better. You will be uplifted by this CD. Get it."

Accessible fun and Al makes it more so.

NDBx | New York, NY United States | 04/30/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was the beginning of wider exposure for Al who was much too good to be obscure for so long. With a voice that can bend and soar then suddenly rattle the floor boards. Al had to this point been below the radar of many while lesser singers got exposure.



With this recording you have some very good songs, some okay songs but Al is so good that he transcends the okay songs and makes them better by his sheer inventiveness and embellishments. He utilizes that instinctive sense for improvisation and unique vocalizations. Al has this uncanny ability of stretching words while simultaneously implying instruments other than the human voice. He doesn't just imitate instruments, he draws this correllary between the voice and instrument where a word implies a percussive beat or the refrain of from a guitar bending a note.



In the midst of all this he maintains this soulfulness, a funkiness and emotional accessibility. Don't just take some of this stuff for granted, listen closely.



He also conveys that he's having a blast. There is no one more exhuberant that Al Jarreau. He was 42 when he did this although that number meant nothing. He had the spirit of a 22 year old with the musical knowledge of his years.



On top of all this he has a first rate band here and a first rate producer in Jay Graedon. Tom Canning is particularly inspired and inventive throughout. Steve Gadd is here also, as is Graedon on both guitars and keyboard. The interplay is, to ears, spectacular. They play off each other beautifully. On the up pieces, the energy level is high.



"Spain" is as good a version of the Chick Corea classic as you will find. Here Al is at the height of his power, with a rapid fire delivery on the lyrics he wrote. With scatting that matches the propulsiveness of Gadd's drumming. Al range is on exhibit here and he just nails this piece and transform it.



"Distracted" is a funky and it grooves. Again, the sheer cleverness of both Al's take and use of words. The way that shift between fluid and staccato. The percussive consonants.



"Give Me What You Got" is another high point. Makes use of R&B sensibilities with nice harmonies.



And then we come to a piece of such stark beauty that to this day some 20 something years later, I am still taken aback. "Alonzo". "Alonzo" alone is worth the price of this recording. "Alonzo" is simply one of the best things Al has ever done. He makes use of his amazing voice in so many ways in a haunting piece which features Al emulating a flute flawlessly and then at the end conveying a sense of wonder and a sort of mystical wonder.



He was and contiues to be amazing. If it were any other singer doing these songs it might be 3 stars but Al and this band created a five star recording.



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