Beyond Words
Vocalist Bobby McFerrin, best known for his pop hit, "Don't Worry, Be Happy," is a talented vocalist and all-around musician. This recording is a true reflection of his genius, and it takes jazz-fusion to another level. Joining McFerrin is the great pianistChick Corea, with Gil Goldstein on accordion, Cameroonian bassistRichard Bona, Brazilian percussionist Cyro Baptista, and drummerOmar Hakim. Their music is a 21st-century blend ofReturn to ForeverandWeather Report. McFerrin's superhuman vocalese investigates and invigorates a number of musical genres. Corea's spellbinding piano motifs grace the calypso-like "Invocation." McFerrin and Corea turn in a beautiful duet version of the pianist's waltzing jazz standard, "Windows." "A Silk Road" and "Desert Field" are laced with Afro-Eurasian and Arabic colors. Bona's Jaco Pastorius-influenced bass lines anchor the hip-hop oriented "Taylor Made," named for McFerrin's son, whose human beat-box vocals pepper the track. Bobby McFerrin's voice sings, scats, and constructs a musical language that's understood by everyone.--Eugene Holley Jr.