"We're In This Love Together" by Chris Walker Chosen by IMC's Scott Gross

Al Jarreau was one of the most beloved artists of the modern jazz/pop era. So many colleagues and admirers were heartbroken upon his sudden passing on February 12th, 2017. Al’s music was so deeply diverse and respected. 
This heartfelt tribute project slowly began to take shape in 2018, starting with longtime Jarreau sidemen, vocalist/bassist Chris Walker and MD Larry Williams. But it had to be done right, all out. And we all know how expensive “all out” is to record. So between executive producers and a successful Kickstarter campaign, the cats were set loose for the sessions. The project was completed and finally released in May of 2019. The profound quality on every level is clearly reflected in the extraordinary album titled, WE’RE IN THIS LOVE TOGETHER – CELEBRATING AL JARREAU. 
I seriously didn’t believe a tribute album would grab the top spot amongst all of the incredible releases from this year for me, but I keep coming back to this record as it continues to surpass any and all expectations every time I hear it. The album oozes passion, reverence & love for Al on every track. The sonics and arrangements within the updating of these classics breathe vibrant new colors into this beloved material, taking it to exciting new levels.
Chris Walker is a revelation as his vocals veer in and out of literally channeling Al through him, while also adding his own unique vocal prowess to his performances. And keyboardist/arranger Larry Williams is shoulder to shoulder with Chris in this endeavor, both with a sharp sense of every detail and the artistic passion as they produced this release together.
The seventeen tracks cover a wide birth period of Jarreau’s journey, from “We Got By” to “Aqua de Beber”, to “Spain” to “Alonzo” and “Take Five”, along with favorites like “Roof Garden”, “After All”, “Mornin’”, “Breaking Away” & more. Every track is a bursting celebration of energy, vitality and affection that will have you believing just how proud Al would be.
Additional players on the project include David Foster, Jay Graydon, Arno Lucas, Greg Phillinganes, Nathan East, Marcus Miller, Bob James, Randy Brecker, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Davie Koz, Rick Braun, Paul Jackson Jr., Gary Grant, Chuck Findley, Bill Reichenbach, Bobby Lyle, Mark Simmons, Cassio Duarte, Tom Walsh, Robbie Harvey, Jonathan DuBose, , David Caceres, Leonardo Amuedo, Rohn Lawrence, Gil Goldstein, Kathleen Nester, Charles Pillow, John Calderon, Randy Bowland, John Stoddart & Arturo Sandoval. Additional vocal contributions include Will Downing, Regina Belle, Joy Mack & Chelsea Simone.
If you haven’t already, track this one down and be amazed by the power of collective Jarreau love on this beautiful album.

Scott Gross
IMC Correspondent
Tampa FL USA