2007年VOA标准英语-Benson and Jarreau "Givin' It Up" On New Album

By Doug Levine
Washington
20 January 2007

Singer and guitarist George Benson and vocalist Al Jarreau are no strangers to the Grammy Awards. Each has earned his share of Grammys over the years. As VOA's Doug Levine tells us, the duo's first album together could be one of the big winners at next month's ceremony.

It's no surprise that one of the top jazz albums of 2006, George Benson and Al Jarreau's Givin' It Up, is having a great run in '07. The album marks the first-ever collaboration² by these two music veterans, and it's filled with fresh remakes of some classic pop and R&B songs. Add to that three famous guest singers, and there's no telling how many awards it may reap this year.

Hearing George Benson's guitar compliment Al Jarreau's scat-style vocals³, you would never know that during their 30-year friendship, they've never recorded an album together. With more than 70 solo albums between them, perhaps they've just been too busy conquering the jazz, pop and R&B worlds.

Now, if you think George Benson's guitar sounds like a perfect fit for Al Jarreau's voice on "Breezin'," just listen to their interplay on "Mornin'."

The new album features an eclectic mix of songs by everyone from Miles Davis and Billie Holiday to Darryl Hall, John Legend and Seals and Crofts. In addition, Al Jarreau contributed several originals. Special guests include vocalists Jill Scott and Patti Austin, as well as an impromptu⁴ vocal¹ cameo by Paul McCartney on Sam Cooke's "Bring It On Home To Me." Jazz notables Herbie Hancock, Stanley Clarke, Chris Botti and Patrice Rushen also appear on the album.

 

Meanwhile, George Benson and Al Jarreau are in the running for three Grammy Awards, which will be presented in Los Angeles, California, on February 11.

1 vocal   

adj.直言不讳的；嗓音的；n.[pl.]声乐节目

参考例句：

• The tongue is a vocal organ.舌头是一个发音器官。
• Public opinion at last became vocal.终于舆论哗然。

2 collaboration   

n.合作，协作；勾结

参考例句：

• The two companies are working in close collaboration each other.这两家公司密切合作。
• He was shot for collaboration with the enemy.他因通敌而被枪毙了。

3 vocals   

（乐曲中的）歌唱部份，声乐部份( vocal的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• Also look out for soaring vocals on The Right Man. 另外，也可留意一下《意中人》中的那高亢的唱腔。
• Lazy bass line, lazier drums, lush violins, great piano and incomparable vocals. 懒惰的低音线，较懒惰的鼓，饮小提琴，棒的钢琴和无比的声音。

4 impromptu   

adj.即席的，即兴的；adv.即兴的(地)，无准备的(地)

参考例句：

• The announcement was made in an impromptu press conference at the airport.这一宣布是在机场举行的临时新闻发布会上作出的。
• The children put on an impromptu concert for the visitors.孩子们为来访者即兴献上了一场音乐会。