Today we all said farewell to Al Jarreau - a sweet smiling musician, who's first priority was bringing happiness and peace to all around him (his second priority was music of course).  This clip is my all time fave!  "Take Five" as played by the Dave Brubeck Quartet only..... interpreted through a mixture of Scatty lyrics and percussive vocalizations by Al Jarreau.  

It reminds me of this one time..... My friends and I went on a road trip from Chapel Hill, NC all the way to Montréal, QC... (side note: we had a big Didgeridoo in the car at one point... it's a long story).

Anyway, one night, in Montreal we found ourselves in a beautiful jazz bar, feeling free and full of adventure.  I was wearing my favorite red pants - I was unstoppable! When someone dared me to stand on my chair, mid bar, and sing Brubeck's (Desmond's) "Take Five".... WELL, I stood right up, squared my hips, took a deep breathe and swooned that song from the first note (through everyone's solos) to its last.  I can only hope that I did so with some degree of restraint.... though if my memory serves me correctly, I was more like a puppy who'd just been let off her leash.... I was so excited that my strange skill had finally been actualized!   

When the song was through and I came too... I opened my eyes for the first time since the gauntlet had been thrown.  My friends were sitting, smiling, mouths agape at the spectacle I had just made.... some were confused while others in awe and their laughter mixed with the applause from on-lookers... it was a an epic moment.

Glad to know I shared a skill with 7 time Grammy winner, Mr. Al Jarreau.  His version was waaaaaaay better than mine... and I'm fine with that 😬 !

Enjoy this adventure in sound. 

Mr. Jarreau, you will be missed.  Rest In Peace. 

Love,

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