from AL JARREAU & THE METROPOLE ORKEST: LIVE
written by David Foster, Jay Graydon & Al Jarreau
The Metropole Orkest from the Netherlands is one of the best ensembles when it comes to fuse jazz and classical with the most refined popular music. Through the years, with the fundamental help of world-class arranger Vince Mendoza, The Metropole Orkester has collaborated with fantastic artists like Ivan Lins, Pat Metheny, Gino Vannelli and Chaka Khan.
Last but not least in this list of legends is Al Jarreau who recently released a brilliant live album with the Metropole Orkester. Again, Mendoza’s brilliant work and the ultra-talented musicians reinvent Jarreau’s songs giving them a different twist. The veteran pop/jazz virtuoso is still in fine form vocally and shines throughout the concert. If there’s a little complain is that, in our opinion, the track-list doesn’t focus enough on the golden years of Jarreau’s collaboration with Jay Graydon but that’s really a little fault given the quality of the overall performance. There are spectacular renditions of standards like “Agua De Beber” and “Spain” that already belong to the singer’s classic repertoire plus jazz pieces like “I’m Beginning To See The Light” and “Midnight Sun” that give the singer plenty of room to shine. “We’re In This Love Together” from “Breakin’ Away” and especially a gorgeous re-working of Jarreau’s hit ballad, “After All” are two of the highlights. “After All” originally included on “High Crime,” in 1985, is like fine wine and sounds absolutely perfect in this orchestral setting under Mendoza’s respectful hands that enhance the romanticism of this gem co-written by the singer with Graydon and David Foster. If you want to learn more about The Metropole Orkest go to youtube and enjoy their incredible performances with some of the best performers on the planet.
Listen
[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/after_all.mp3|titles=After All|artists=Al Jarreau]
Lead Vocals: Al Jarreau
With The Metropole Orkester
Produced, Arranged & Conducted by Vince Mendoza
Co-Produced by Joe Turano
Lyrics
There, there was a time I knew
That no matter come what may, love would prevail.
Then, inside the dream, I knew
Came the question lovers fear, Can true love fail?
Then I would miss the childhood wish and haven’t I sung to you
Of a knight in armor bright, faithful and true to you, darling,
After all, I will be the one to hold you in my arms
After all, I will be the one to hold you
I will be the one to hold you in my arms, in my arms.
I know in my heart and mind
that no matter come what may, love will survive.
Love, the author of space and time.
Keeps the violins and each sparrow alive.
And the love that heals the wound after the war is through
Is the knight in armor bright, faithful and true to you.
After all, I will be the one to hold you in my arms
After all, I will be the one to hold you
I will be the one to hold you in my arms, in my arms.
Don’t you know
After all, I will be the one to hold you in my arms
Telling you
After all, I will be the one to hold you in my arms, in my arms