In 1976, up-and-coming singer Al Jarreau, who had just recorded his first album, got the chance to perform at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Then his band didn't show up and Al Jarreau was alone with the pianist. Out of necessity, he imitated all the musical instruments. This established his style, with which he became a world star.
Mr. Jarreau, thank you very much for taking the time to talk to us. What does the Montreux Jazz Festival mean to you and what are your memories?
The Montreux Jazz Festival was an exciting experience from the very beginning and always will be. The lake and the Alps alone, where people come from all over the world, make Montreux unique. This aura is electrifying for artists and audiences alike. I felt that the first time I performed in Montreux and it has been the same every time since. I made my debut with the Al Jarreau Duo at the Montreux Casino in 1976, when my bigger backing band was lost. My relationship with the festival has grown steadily since then, and today I come here often, helping out as an expert at singing competitions and doing tribute concerts for others.
"I made my debut with the Al Jarreau Duo at the Montreux Casino in 1976"
You will be performing as a duo again in this special anniversary year - on July 3. Who is your duet partner?
I'm performing with Joe Turano, and with this duo performance I'm going back to the wonderful beginnings of my career. In the sixties and seventies, that was one of my most important musical phases, because the duo with guitarist Julio Martinez gave me the freedom to develop my vocal improvisations. Joe Turano is a great pianist, plays tenor and soprano saxophone and has sung backing vocals in my band for fifteen years.
He is also my musical director and co-writes many of my songs with me. Joe and I's performance in Montreux will be one of our first as a duo.
Which of your own songs do you enjoy singing the most today?
"Mornin'", "We're in this Love Together", "Take 5", "Midnight Sun". But my list of favorites goes on forever!
What is your biggest source of inspiration?
I feel a thrill when I write new songs, when I put notes and words on a white sheet of paper that come from my heart. I was inspired in my youth by church music, and Broadway music, in interpretations by Miles Davis, Bill Evans and Dizzy Gillespie. When I perform and write, I often go back to that time in my head.
You are considered the best jazz vocalist of our time. How do you renew yourself, where does the energy come from?
Oops, too much credit! The combination of jazz, rhythm & blues and pop is very powerful and gives me the inspiration and the fire in my soul to write songs and perform. My audience sings, dances and laughs with me, and that's the joy that keeps me coming back to the stage.
How do you keep fit?
I've loved sport since I was young, so I keep fit. For me, fitness is absolutely essential for making music and performing. Fitness makes you really glow with energy.
What is your biggest wish for your future?
I want to be able to continue making music and writing songs with fantastic musicians. And I want this to have a positive impact on the world. Music can be an uplifting and healing force that is just as powerful as medicine. Music is balm for the soul.
AL JARREAU
03.07.16, Montreux Jazz Festival
01.12.16, Kongresshaus Zurich
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