Al Jarreau Duo

The outstanding American jazz vocalist, improviser, and seven-time Grammy award winner will perform on July 1st at the Philharmonic in Szczecin. His interpretation of the well-known tune “Take Five” by Dave Brubeck was loved by fans all around the world and it is still a song world audiences demand during his concerts.

“Depending on his musical mood of the moment, Al can pop out percussion sounds to rival the layered textures and upbeat swing of a full drum kit. He can simulate the sounds of horns, scat singing through complex chord changes and tricky rhythmic meters with an unstoppable flow of ideas.”
Don Heckman

The artist will perform at the Philharmonic in Szczecin as the Al Jarreau Duo – he will be accompanied by a pianist. The Jarreau concert is the first of three great concerts to take place in the middle of this year. They will constitute the final of this year's edition of the Espressivo jazz series at the Philharmonic in Szczecin.

Now 76 years old, Jarreau is not only a great musician but also an outstanding stage artist. He always talks with his fans during the shows and enjoys the company of the band, creating a fantastic atmosphere on stage. All this makes a great lively atmosphere at his concerts, which become forever remembered.

Al Jarreau is the fifth of six children. His whole family was interested in music, but it was his brother who encouraged Al to begin musical improvisation. He was raised by parents devoted to church music – his father was a preacher and singer while his mother a church pianist.

It was natural for him to sing, just as it was to play sports. Al wanted to become a preacher just like his father. As a child he was very religious. When he went to college, many thought that he would become an athlete: a basketball or baseball player, yet it never happened.

During the course of his studies (psychology), he began giving concerts. In 1966 Al received an MA and two years later began making a living from singing. His real career started when he was 35 years old. He wowed head-hunters from Warner Bros with his talent and charisma. They signed a 20 year contract with him right away.

The first album “We Got By” in 1975 was a huge success in the USA and led to a European tour the following year. Al was cordially welcomed by the critics, he was nicknamed “the man with an orchestra in his voice” or “the wonder voice of the USA”. He improvised, imitating the sounds of various instruments and different tunes. This is when his version of “Take Five” was created.

Tickets will be on sale at the ticket office in the Philharmonic and on the website on Wednesday, 18th May from 13:00.