Customer Reviews

Look to the Rainbow

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Let me be up-front about this. I bought this album when it came out in the late seventies (heard "Take Five" on a local jazz radio station and "had" to have the album) and have played it probably five dozen times each year, every year since. In my extensive collection of jazz albums and CDs, there is not a single album I enjoy more (although there are others that vie for second place, including John Coltrane and Milt Jackson's "Bags and Trane," but that's another matter). The fact that Jarreau tried to recapture the feel of this album on his 1990s work "Tenderness" is a testament to what a pivotal work it was in his own career. But it is much more than that. I recall a review, back when the work was originally relased, that talked about the nature of European audiences, which were both appreciateive and respectful--maybe that explains why this album works so well; like one Amazon.com reviewer has already said, there is an obvious, beautiful connection that Jarreau made with those crowds in Europe, the same sort that he makes with the listener at home. Jarreau sings to his listeners like few recording artists can, with a feeling and intensity that he himself has never been able to rival. If you like pop Jarreau, you owe it to yourself to listen to the "real Al," the one who scatted, who oozed emotion-- the one whose parting words to his audience at the end of "We Got By" still sends a tingle down my spine (this is not hyperbole). Not a single album before or since has ever been able to make me feel what I feel when this disk is on--probably one of the reasons the disk is "on" (in my house, anyway) so much of the time; I am confident it will have a similar effect on you. The only complaint I have is with the record company that produces this work: In their effort to fit what was a two-record set on a single CD, they edited a few of the songs, including a little from all of the last three (whcih happen to be the best three songs on the CD). You'll never know it if you didn't listen to the album version, but for those of you trying to recapture such things as that wonderful bit of business that occurs before "Take Five" (cut 10), forget it--its gone! I wish the original could be remastered in a two-CD set that would restore this work to its original release condition--the album of the century deserves nothing less.

I find myself in agreement with the reviewer "MBK" and share his/her frustration regarding the terrible editing job done to fit this album onto CD. I also bought this recording on vinyl years ago and loved it......and I also was looking forward to hearing it again on CD. I found the sound quality murky and muddy, and was shocked to find the beginning of "Take Five" hacked off almost in its entirety....one of the best song intro's I've ever heard. My advice....wait for the real thing (some day, hopefully).

When this release appeared in late 70's, I was at a personal nadir in my life. I would often play the tracks "Look to the Rainbow", "Could You Believe", or "Burst in with the Dawn" to think of better times ahead...which of course did indeed come!

This man has an incredible wellspring of talent with his voice and its Armstrong or Fitzgerald-like ability to mimic an entire band, instrument by instrument. The whole recording is worth owning, song for song. In addition to the three I mentioned above, "So Long Girl" (with its driving rhythm), "Rainbow in Your Eyes" (soaring vocal energy), and the funky "You Don't See Me" also stand out.

What really makes this album work is the fine band he toured with for these sessions, especially the keyboards and vibes. The overall sound compliments his voice famously. I've yet to hear Al Jarreau duplicate this flavor in any studio effort since. We Latins call it "Sabor". For those who are into great Jazz vocals, for that matter, great Jazz, you've got to put this one in...

The first time I heard this recording I knew Al Jarreau would never make a recording this good again. This recording has indeed stood the test of time. Every track is a keeper and you cannot just listen to one or two but you have to listen to them all every time. I was disappointed in how the record company butchered the album to make it fit on a single CD. None the less this recording is a must have for any serious Jazz collection. Anyone interest in a singing career must listen to this album. Al Jarreau's vocal prowess and scatting ability makes him one of the top vocalist of his generation.

This album ranks at the top best of any "Live" recording by any artist list. If you can find the Album in pristine condition by all means buy it instead of the CD.

I first heard selections of this album on the radio when I was a freshman in college in the '70s and went right out to get the LP. This is the "real" Al Jarreau--a versatile, inventive, and gifted JAZZ singer who unfortunately went on to record "morning, Mister Cheerios" fluff.

It is as fresh now as it was nearly 30 years ago. Highly recommended!!!

Beware. This CD grows on you, becomes part of you. It is addictive. I don't think any album by Al Jarreau has ever surpassed it.

I first heard Al Jarreau many years ago in Berkeley California, when I was a student wearing black turtleneck tops and sipping espresso on Euclid Avenue.

Twenty years later, it has stood the test of time. It is a masterpiece.

I was "turned-on" to the LP version of this work in 1980. It was already a year or two old, and the album belonged to friend. He never got it back! I played the album constantly. I made a sojourn to Oakland to see Jarreau in his sweet homecoming at the Greek Theatre, (David Sandborn-opening act), I was so inspired by Jarreau and his style. I was NOT disappointed in the show, even though this album sets the highest standard for any vocalist/musician imaginable. It has been stated that the LP is abbreviated to fit a CD format. Too Bad, as the work should NOT be altered...at all! I scoured e-bay for months and purchased a pristine LP that I treasure. With the help of software, I am able to transfer analog to digital, and this is one is one of my favorites. No, that is not true. I have over 1500 vinyl and 350 CDs and this IS my favorite. If on a desert isle, I think I could get along with this one alone! I have read the previous reviews to this point, and although I hesitate to put my feelings to script for all to see, I am compelled. I would say about this album (CD)...no mater that a few songs are abreviated..that the CD isn't as rich as the LP. If you have ears, you should have this. If you have a musical cell in your body, buy this CD. No matter that Mr Jarreau had to bend his art to fit the demands of the "Pop" culture we all live in, this is singularly one of the greatest works of vocal art ever captured "live". I can appreciate the culture of Jazz in America, and thankfully this was not recorded in front of an American audience. One cannot go without mentioning the musicianship of Mr. Jarreau's accompianists. The arraingments are stunning! In a world of hyperbole, this work by a truely gifted musician, is stunning. Buy it. Make some coffee or tea on an early Sunday morning,,sit down and let this work lift and inspire you. It will, as it has for me, for over twenty-five years.

I was in college, when I first heard this lp. It was good but left me unmoved. Howver I shortly realized that portions of "Burst In With The Dawn", "Look to the Rainbow", "Rainbow in Your Eyes" were imprinted in my
head. The energy of the crowd, the fantastic band performance, and Jarreau's unique phrasing and spot on vocal styling was and is remarkable. My admiration of this work has only deeped over the years.
A have for existing Jarreau fans and IMO a 'Desert Island Disk'.

This is a fantastic live recording, originally done in Europe in 1977. It's one of the best live performances of a jazz singer there is. I'm glad it scored high in the R&B and pop categories too. I wanted to comment about track#10 (Take Five).

The original LP had an extra 45 seconds of Take Five at the beginning of the recording; this is lacking in the CD version. That 45 seconds has some fantastic a capella scat that is worthy of inclusion. Obviously, some producer or recording engineer screwed up big time. Additions to LPs are fine; deletions are not. Beware of idiots who work for studios.

Thanks to the music fan from redding, CA and "MBK" for that mather who warned me about "crime-like" editing job on this CD. The LP is a wonder; Al as a jazz singer supported by a sensitive, sublime band. The voice and the music integrate so well. This live recording is warm and sensual, witty and creative. Al Jarreau never matched himself in any of the studio recordings. I was about to order a CD (I have owned the LP for about 15 yrs) but I would not tolerate any compromising cuts. To rid "Take Five" from its intro is a crime.