Bobby McFerrin has made relatively few recordings since his hit "Don't Worry, Be Happy." Potentially one of the truly great creative vocalists,
McFerrin has flashes of brilliance on this Blue Note CD, including a haunting rendition of
Miles Davis' "Selim" (taken from the trumpeter's underrated
Live-Evil set), but the singer's original material is generally forgettable.
McFerrin overdubbed extra voices on many selections, which is quite unnecessary considering his range and ability to sing nonstop; he emphasizes dance and R&B rhythms, and there is often little to the songs other than the grooves and the sound of his voice. In addition, the members of
the Yellowjackets are underutilized, although
Russell Ferrante co-wrote three of
McFerrin's eight songs. A disappointment. ~ Scott Yanow