Customer Reviews

All I Got

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

AL JARREAU IS MAGNIFICENT, WELL VERSED AND REHEARSED A TRUE MASTER OF SMOOTH JAZZ. EVERY SELECTION ON THE CD IS ENJOYABLE AND RELAXING. AL'S VOICE IS SO SOOTHING AND SEDUCTIVE, ONCE YOU STARTING LISTENING YOU ARE HOOKED.

HIS DUET WITH JOE COCKER IS MY FAVORITE, IT IS TITLED "LOST AND FOUND" THE BEAT IS A GENRE OF BLUES AND JAZZ. THIS CD WOULD BE WONDERFUL TO LISTEN TO ESPECIALLY AROUND THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS WHEN YOU AND THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE ARE SITTING AROUND ENJOYING EACH OTHER'S COMPANY, WRAPPING GIFTS, SITTING BY A COZY FIRE, RELAXING ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON OR YOU ALONE JUST SITTING BACK IN YOUR EASY CHAIR SIPPING A GLASS OF WINE & LISTENING TO THE GROOVES.

AFTER HEARING ONLY ONE SONG ON THE CD, MY INSTINCTS TOLD ME THAT THIS WOULD BE A WINNER AND THAT AL WAS GIVING ALL HE HAD. I'M A LIBRARIAN IN CHARGE OF ORDERING MATERIALS FOR MY LIBRARY, AS SOON AS I HEARD ONE TRACK FROM THE CD, I PLACED AN ORDER FOR THE LIBRARY SO ALL OUR PATRONS THAT ARE AL JARREAU FANS CAN GET THE SAME ENJOYMENT THAT I HAVE FROM THIS ABOVE AVERAGE CD. IN MY ENTIRE LIFE I HAVE PURCHASED LESS THAN A DOZEN ALBUMS WHERE EVERY SONG ON THE ALBUM WAS SMOKING, THIS HAPPENS TO BE ONE.

Al Jarreau invented the meaning of cross-over artist. (Grammys in Jazz,Pop R&B). Someone who can reach all audiences in our mutli-cultural world. This 2002 album is a magical timeless jewel. The ecclectic range of songs here reminds me of the "We Got By" era of Jarreauism; where Al is unmistably Al singing from his cosmic heart, and connecting all who listen to the higher spirit. Each song is a masterpiece in it's own right. Listening over and over !

I love the uplifitng, joyous and positive message in the opening song, "Random Act of Love." The album segues into the ultra-cool and funky groove of "Life Is"..."try to lift your spirits to the very tip." "Never TOo Late", and the infectiously funky groove of "Heaven". Then the fabulous JOE COCKER makes an appearance on "Lost and Found"...Secrets Of Love..Jacaranda Bougainvillea.."coming along, oh what a long way we have come" a warming tribute to SOuth Africa!

What would we do without Al?!

I can't write anymore at this moment- this album has too much SOUL! I have to go and devote my attention to chilling, listening and enjoying! WOW!

Al's definatley done it again!

I'll have to admit that if someone asked me who the first artist I'd say earned a 5-star review from me would be....I don't think it would be Al Jarreau. No disrespect to the man, but with the exception of a few tracks from him I've placed him in the 'happy-go-lucky Bobby Mcferrin' group. Not enough soul in most tracks for me. I had to check the CD label again when the first track, 'Random Act Of Love' started spinning. Al with a cool R&B-type groove? What??

I will take that unfair label back, and apologize to boot. This is a VERY soulful CD, and from the first moment I heard this one, I said 'WOW' all the way through!

My favorites on this CD have switched many times, tonight it is 'Oasis' that has me in a low-key, romantic mood...simply steller! ...

Anyway, very nice CD! Soulful, fun and romantic all in one. Check out the track, 'Jacaranda Bougainville' for that "feel-good' track on here too. If you're in a Smooth Jazz market, they're probably playing, 'Feels Like Heaven To Me'. That track is a killer as well!

Well done Mr. Jarreau. ...

Al Jarreau is a phenomenal artist. Even though I'm fairly young (23) I am a true fan of Al Jarreau. His vocal ability and style is timeless. But this c.d, has a very hip flair to it and the change does not take away. Some artists try to change their style up and you wish they wouldn't have, but I can not say that for Al Jarreau. From the funky title track "All I Got" to the soothing "Oasis", this c.d is a masterpiece.

Having been an Al Jarreau fan for over 20 years I thought in all honesty that his best times had come and gone...Tours with David Sanborn in the UK ,The best...
Then I saw the man at our Montreal Jazz Festival and for the first time in 5 live shows I left disappointed....
Until now !!!!
All I Got finally reminds me that given the right words music and direction Al is the BEST......
Luther might have the soul/rnb crown but the soul/jazz finery belongs to Al..
BUY IT PLAY IT and when it wears out BUY IT AGAIN!!!!!

I had received a hot lick of the singleserving of (A random act of Love) Which is one of the cuts on this CD. What I have too say is, Al, has done it again. The beat the lyrics, it's another hot one. It is a good buy, and you will never get tired of it. It is one of the CD's you could play over and over.

This is one of Al's best. Of all the songs, "Jacaranda Bougainvillea" and "All I Got" are my favorites and they are written and performed by his touring band. Freddie Ravel and Jota Morelli and Chris (bass player) are just fantastic. The story behind how Al wrote "Jacaranda" is fascinating and is on his website, aljarreau.com.

A definite MUST BUY!

This latest release from Al Jarreau on Verve Records ~ "All I Got", features some of the best passionate ballads I've heard in a long time. For example~ "NEVER TOO LATE", just wait to fall in love is a great line in this lyrical gem, also your heart will know the truth, there is much in what is being said ~ "FEELS LIKE HEAVEN", is loaded with soul, with a non-stop beat that puts you into ecstasy, your tender kiss I can't resist---sounds very familiar to me.

My favorite on this album is "LOST AND FOUND", featuring Joe Cocker sends you a message that cannot be denied, I was in the wrong place at the right time, the devil had his arm around me---great combination Jarreau and Cocker ~ completely down with it. Listen as Jarreau sings this heartfelt ballad "UNTIL YOU LOVE ME", with lyrics like I'll sing the melody and any wish you want to grant for me, this is pure perfection ~ another ballad with Kirk Whalum opening passage on the saxophone of "OASIS", the voice of Jarreau answers the call and Ricky Peterson on the keyboard is so special. So lovers of smooth jazz and fans of Al Jarreau, what are you waiting for ~ this is the next one for your ever growing Jazz collection, gotta love it!

Total Time 50:41 on 11 Tracks ~ Verve 314-589-777-2 ~ (2002)

As I write this, I am sitting at my desk and bopping my head to "Feels Like Heaven."

After being so disappointed with Mr. Jarreau's last release and being so disappointed I went on and wrote a seven paragraph review on Amazon saying why, I am thrilled that the Al Jarreau I love, appreciate, admire and am thankful to God for, is back!

I stood in my local Borders for twenty something minutes listening to samples of all his songs. I stood there listening to cut after cut, bopping my head, tapping my feet and chees'in (grinning). I could have climbed into the music and never come out again. Mr. Jarreau is just that incredible.

Smooth, easy, precise, get into your soul lyrics and the vocals that no other could ever duplicate, "All I Got" is all I need. I will be playing this CD for many months to come. Thank you Al Jarreau for giving me what I always knew you have in you. Thank you for bringing me music that makes me smile, bop my head and feel good.

Peace,
Margaret

I just want people to know that this is not the Al Jarreau of "breakin away". It's "smooth jazz" elevator music. Might be some people's bag, but not mine. I heard his new album "accentuate the positive" is more the Al of old.