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2 LP on 1 CD A singer and songwriter whose vocal range, resonant performances and sheer musicality have earned him an international following, Al Jarreau gave early notice of his extraordinary artistry on his auspicious 1975 debut album Got By. Produced by Al Schmitt, with an all-star studio supporting cast that includes arranger David Grusin, keyboardist Tom Canning and guitarist Arthur Adams, the nine sparkling cuts of We Got By showcase the dexterous musical magic that has always been a Jarreau trademark. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Al Jarreau began singing at the tender age of four. He attended college in the Midwest, graduating with a Master's degree in Psychology, and performing with a jazz group called the Indigos during weekends and holidays. Relocating to San Francisco to take a job as a rehabilitation counselor, he found himself performing two nights a week with a trio fronted by jazz great George Dulp at a small Bay Area club, the Half Note. By 1968, Jarreau had settled on a musical direction, and for the next four years, performed extensively in Los Angeles, appearing in such famed nightclubs as Dino's the Troubadour, the Bitter End West and a small nitery called the Bla Bla Cafe. It was here that Jarreau began concentrating on writing and performing his own material, with a resulting recording contract with Warner Bros. Records in early 1975. We Got By features such standout Jarreau originals as "Lock All The Gates," "Sweet Potato Pie," "Spirit" and "You Don't See Me." Highlighting the artist on "voice, vocal percussion, flute and miscellaneous effects,"We GotByms released to unanimous critical and popular acclaim. ## 1-9 We Got By 1975, 1988 Reprise (4.5*) Jarreau's best release, which shows him still improvising and interpreting. A singer and songwriter whose vocal range, resonant performances and sheer musicality have earned him an international following, Al Jarreau gave early notice of his extraordinary artistry on his auspicious 1975 debut album We Got By. Produced by Al Schmitt, with an all-star studio supporting cast that includes arranger David Grusin, keyboardist Tom Canning and guitarist Arthur Adams, the nine sparkling cuts of We Got By showcase the dexterous musical magic that has always been a Jarreau trademark. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Al Jarreau began singing at the tender age of four. He attended college in the Midwest, graduating with a Master's degree in Psychology, and performing with a jazz group called the Indigos during weekends and holidays. Relocating to San Francisco to take a job as a rehabilitation counselor, he found himself performing two nights a week with a trio fronted by jazz great George Duke at a small Bay Area club, the Half Note. By 1968, Jarreau had settled on a musical direction, and for the next four years, performed extensively in Los Angeles, appearing in such famed nightclubs as Dino's, the Troubadour, the Bitter End West and a small nitery called the Bla Bla Cafe. It was here that Jarreau began concentrating on writing and performing his own material, with a resulting recording contract with Warner Bros. Records in early 1975. We Got By features such standout Jarreau originals as "Lock All The Gates," "Sweet Potato Pie," "Spirit" and "You Don't See Me." Highlighting the artist on "voice, vocal percussion, flute and miscellaneous effects," We GotByms released to unanimous critical and popular acclaim. ## 10-18 Glow 1988 Reprise (3*) Recording Date: Feb 1976-May 1976 A good session, though the gimmicks are kicking in.
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