Bobby Mcferrin

This album was originally released in 1988 as "Bobby McFerrin - Don't Worry, Be Happy". Vocal virtuoso Bobby McFerrin ranks among the most distinctive and original singers in contemporary music – equally adept in jazz, pop, and classical settings, his octave-jumping trademark style, with its rhythmic inhalations and stop-on-a-dime shifts from falsetto to deep bass notes often sounds like the work of at least two or three singers at once, while at the same time sounding quite unlike anyone else.

Bobby McFerrin is the debut album by Bobby McFerrin, released in 1982. Vocal virtuoso Bobby McFerrin ranks among the most distinctive and original singers in contemporary music – equally adept in jazz, pop, and classical settings, his octave-jumping trademark style, with its rhythmic inhalations and stop-on-a-dime shifts from falsetto to deep bass notes often sounds like the work of at least two or three singers at once, while at the same time sounding quite unlike anyone else.

Vocalist Bobby McFerrin, best known for his pop hit, "Don't Worry, Be Happy," is a talented vocalist and all-around musician. This recording is a true reflection of his genius, and it takes jazz-fusion to another level. Joining McFerrin is the great pianist Chick Corea, with Gil Goldstein on accordion, Cameroonian bassist Richard Bona, Brazilian percussionist Cyro Baptista, and drummer Omar Hakim. Their music is a 21st-century blend of Return to Forever and Weather Report. McFerrin's superhuman vocalese investigates and invigorates a number of musical genres. Corea's spellbinding piano motifs grace the calypso-like "Invocation."

Bobby McFerrin is heard in prime form throughout this date, which was the follow-up to his classic The Voice. A few of the numbers are taken unaccompanied, and these include memorable renditions of "Thinkin' About Your Body," "I Hear Music," and "Mañana Iguana." Pianist Herbie Hancock duets with McFerrin on "Turtle Shoes"; "Another Night in Tunisia" (taken from the Manhattan Transfer's Vocalese album) features McFerrin with the vocal quartet and Jon Hendricks; soprano saxophonist Wayne Shorter interacts with the vocalist on "Walkin'"; and an eccentric "Beverly Hills Blues" has "assistance" from comedian Robin Williams. A continually intriguing release with plenty of wit from the innovative singer.