Al Jarreau & NDR Bigband - Ellington (2024) [Hi-Res]

Al Jarreau’s final recording, Ellington, serves as a remarkable tribute to Duke Ellington’s timeless music and a fitting end to Jarreau’s legendary career, recorded shortly before his passing in 2017. This live recording with the NDR Bigband captures Jarreau’s unique ability to blend jazz, pop, and R&B, giving fresh interpretations to classics like “I’m Beginning to See the Light,” “I Got It Bad (and That Ain’t Good),” and “Come Sunday.” The album also marks a full-circle moment, reconnecting Jarreau with ACT Music founder Siggi Loch, who first discovered him and launched his career in Europe. With his six Grammy awards spanning multiple genres, Jarreau’s vocal mastery and emotional depth are on full display, making Ellington a must-have for any jazz lover. This album is not only a celebration of Jarreau’s unmatched artistry but also a poignant tribute to the legacy of both Jarreau and Ellington.

Al Jarreau
NDR Bigband
Trumpets & Flugelhorns / Thorsten Benkenstein, Ingolf Burkhardt, Nicolas Boysen, Reiner Winterschladen
Saxophones / Fiete Felsch, Björn Berger, Christof Lauer, Frank Delle, Tini Thomsen
Trombones / Dan Gottshall, Günter Bollmann (26 November), Klaus Heidenreich (29 November),Stefan Lottermann, Ingo Lahme
Tuba / Ingo Lahme
Piano, Rhodes / Hans Vroomans
E+A Guitar / Peter Tiehuis
E+A Bass / Christian Diener
Drums / Wolfgang Haffner
Conductor & arranger / Jörg Achim Keller
Vocals arranger / Joe Turano