The latest episode looks back at Jarreau’s first LP.

Before Breakin’ Away, Al Jarreau spent part of the ’70s establishing himself as a jazz vocalist of considerable dexterity, starting with his 1975 debut We Got By – the latest album spotlighted on the My Classic Soul podcast.

With the help of sterling producer/engineer Al Schmitt, Jarreau’s debut established the foundation of his style: a partly improvisational, scat-driven vocal style that meshes perfectly with the album’s nine original songs – what co-host Janine Coveney calls an “earthy, deep from the soul” style.

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The episode, which also features recollections from SoulMusic.com’s own David Nathan about meeting and interviewing Jarreau, can be heard here or wherever you listen to podcasts.