Accentuate the Positive
Al Jarreau's style bridgesJon Hendricks's vocalese andBobby McFerrin's incredible flights of fancy. This CD, withDiana Krall's rhythm section--guitarist Anthony Wilson, drummerPeter Erskine, and bassistChristian  McBride--should please fans of albums like Jarreau's phenomenal 1977 live LP,Look to the Rainbow.Duke Ellington's "I'm Beginning to See the Light" is illuminated byLarry Goldings's down-home Hammond organ, whileLionel Hampton's "Midnight Sun" bops with hip-hop-friendly rim shots. Jarreau's tenor tones curve with saxophonic dexterity and pulse with percussive precision, especially onDizzy Gillespie's "Groovin' High," where he slyly drops in a few words from the old show tune, "Whispering."--Eugene Holley, Jr.