Bobby McFerrin
José James
Bobby McFerrin
CIRCLESONGS
We've known for over three decades that Bobby McFerrin is more than just the man behind the world-famous track (Don’t Worry, Be Happy) released in 1988 and taken from his fifth album. The New Yorker (born in 1950) began his career in the mid-70s and is a vocal genius, a master in the art of universal song. The Manhattan virtuoso has also proved to be an exceptional and unique choir conductor over the years. His opera singer parents showed him the importance of initiation and example. With his love for meeting people and stylistic contrasts (with recordings by Chick Corea, Yo-Yo Ma and even the actor Jack Nicholson), Bobby McFerrin's vocals have appeared in all kinds of music from pop to art. His commitment is reflected by his dozen Grammy Awards. Last November in Paris, Bobby McFerrin joined forces with Gimme 5 to put a fresh spin on his 1997 album Circlesongs. It's an improvised choral piece where the singers stand in a circle. The conductor stands in the middle and starts a theme that each singer picks up in turn (namely the ghosts of the Voicestra group founded in 86 by McFerrin). A musical dialogue based on listening and improvising starts up alongside a gospel choir led by Sabine Kouli at the Roman Theatre. Audience participation is, of course, encouraged.
Line-up : Bobby McFerrin, Joey Blake (v), Judi Vinar (v), Dave Worm (v), Rhiannon (v), Sabine Kouli (v).
Crédit photo : © CarolFriedman
José James
Lean On Me
Since bursting onto the international scene a little over a decade ago, José James and his honey-sweet voice are still as bewitching. The Minneapolis artist admits to being inspired by Marvin Gaye, the producer Flying Lotus and John Coltrane for his stylish blend of what makes up Great Black Music. Flitting between raw soul, soul folk, hip hop and jazz, James is in the microcosm of vocalists capable of keeping the crossover created by Ray Charles in the 50s alive. His first album (The Dreamer, 2008) pays tribute to Martin Luther King. The next one, Blackmagic, features the beatboxer Taylor McFerrin. His fourth album (in the meantime he recorded with Junior Mance, Chico Hamilton, Flying Lotus and the pianist Jef Neve), No Beginning No End, is on Blue Note. The more soulful than ever singer is back with Lean On Me (2018). After leaning on Billie Holiday and John Coltrane, this time he pays tribute to the living legend of American pop and the immense soulman Bill Withers. There are twelve unforgettable tracks by Withers, who celebrates his 80th birthday in July, produced by Don Was and recorded by a dream band: bassist Pino Palladino, Kris Bowers (fabulous Rhodes on the cover of Ain’t No Sunshine), Brad Allen Williams and Nate Smith.
Line-up : José James (v, g), Marcus Machado (g), Aneesa Strings (b, v), Aaron Steele (dms)
Crédit photo: © J. Beckman