BOBBY McFERRIN: "Simple Pleasures"

Original released on LP EMI Manhattan EI 48059

(US, 1988)

This album will always be remembered for including Bobby McFerrin's surprise hit "Don't Worry, Be Happy." Actually, overall, this album is not quite up to the level of his previous two, for instead of taking unaccompanied vocals, the remarkable singer overdubbed his voice many times, which reduces the miraculous nature of his talents. However, McFerrin's renditions of "Drive My Car," "Drive," and "Sunshine of Your Love" (the program is quite diverse), plus the catchy "Don't Worry," are generally unique and worth hearing. (Scott Yanow in AllMusic)

BOBBY McFERRIN: "Spontaneous Inventions"

Original released on LP Blue Note BT 85110

(US, 1986)

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. (Scott Yanow in AllMusic)

BOBBY MCFERRIN Debut Album

Original released on LP Elektra Musician E1-60023

(US, 1982)

Robert Keith "Bobby" McFerrin Jr. (born March 11, 1950) is an American jazz vocalist and conductor. He is a ten-time Grammy Award winner, who is known for his unique vocal techniques, such as singing fluidly but with quick and considerable jumps in pitch - for example, sustaining a melody while also rapidly alternating with arpeggios and harmonies - as well as scat singing, polyphonic overtone singing, and improvisational vocal percussion. He is widely known for performing and recording regularly as an unaccompanied solo vocal artist. He has frequently collaborated with other artists from both the jazz and classical scenes. As a vocalist, McFerrin often switches rapidly between modal and falsetto registers to create polyphonic effects, performing both the main melody and the accompanying parts of songs. He makes use of percussive effects created both with his mouth and by tapping on his chest. McFerrin is also capable of multiphonic singing. His first recorded work, this self-titled album "Bobby McFerrin", was not produced until 1982, when McFerrin was already 32 years old. Before that, he had spent six years developing his musical style, the first two years of which he attempted not to listen to other singers at all, in order to avoid sounding like them. He was influenced by Keith Jarrett, who had achieved great success with a series of improvised piano concerts including "The Köln Concert" of 1975, and wanted to attempt something similar vocally.