Bobby McFerrin "Simple Pleasures" (1988)

Simple Pleasures
release date: Aug. 5, 1988
format: vinyl / digital
[album rate: 3,5 / 5] [3,36]
producer: Linda Goldstein
label: EMI Manhattan Records - nationality: USA

4th studio album by vocal artist Bobby McFerrin and his commercial breakthrough thanks to the hit single "Don't Worry, Be Happy", also included in the American comedy film "Cocktail" by Roger Donaldson featuring Tom Cruise and Bryan Brown.
The album was my first experience with a studio release by McFerrin, and as I admit to have purchased it after listening to the aforementioned hit, I didn't find it as good as I had hoped for, but upon listening to his second album The Voice, I immediately became a fan.
[ allmusic.com 4 / 5 stars ]

Bobby McFerrin "The Voice" (1984) (live)

The Voice (live)
release date: 1984
format: cd (2013 remaster)
[album rate: 4 / 5]
producer: Linda Goldstein
label: Elektra Musician / Rhino - nationality: USA

Track highlights: 1. "Blackbird" (5 / 5) (other recording) - 2. "The Jump" - 4. "I Feel Good" (5 / 5) (other recording) - 6. "Music Box" - 7. "Medley: Donna Lee / Big Top / We're in the Money" - 9. "T.J." (5 / 5) - 10. "A-train"

Live album by Bobby McFerrin performing solo at four different locations in Germany in Mar. '84: The Bahnhof, Köln (17th), Rosengarten, Mannheim (19th), Musikhalle, Hamburg (21st), Liederhalle, Stuttgart (26th).
This album is an absolute gem showcasing McFerrin's talent as vocal artist / performer.
Highly recommendable.

[ allmusic.com 5 / 5, Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide 4 / 4 stars ]