I was just wondering what most people's consensus on Bobby Mcferrin was -Innovative Vocalist/Conductor/Composer, or a Nuisance? I'm a fan, but it seems that most people were put off by his one Pop hit, "Don't Worry, Be Happy", which is probably regarded as one of the most hated songs of the last 25 years...he's done some great albums before and since then, combining Jazz, Classical, Pop and World Music, and since 1993, he has become an orchestral conductor, the Creative chair of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, as well as conducting other orchestras worldwide: Vienna Philharmonic, London Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, New York Philharmonic , the Philadelphia Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony and the Kiov Symphony. He has also collaborated with musicians like Yo Yo Ma, Wynton Marsalis, Chick Corea, Joni Mitchell, Tower of Power and The Yellowjackets, Jack Dejohnette, Richard Bona, Joe Zawinul, Herbie Hancock, and Wayne Shorter... But it seems that, for the general public,"Don't Worry, Be Happy" will always be the albatross around his neck...


[Edited 9/23/04 3:04am]

I believe Bobby is an extremely talented and underrated artist. The man's got a serious vocal range and ear for music outside of jazz, soul, pop, etc. It's a shame that more people haven't caught on to him.

I suggest you guys listen to Chaka Khan's song "Soul Talkin'" from her 88 release "C.K." and tell me who's scatting in the middle of the song?

That had me floored esp when I thought for the longest that it was either Chaka or Brenda Russell who made that skatting pre4mance.

Ever hear him do "The Wizard of Oz" in under a minute? Funny stuff.

Seriously, though, I saw him at Symphony Hall here in Boston several years ago and it was a great show.

I think he is a VERY talented artist. I can't stand his music but I definately respect his talent.

Mr. McFerrin is a very creative vocalist.
It's a shame that many people ignore his larger body of work and write him off simply for the Don't Worry, Be Happy tune.

Another fine artist showcase (aka paligap)

tA

Tribal Disorder

http://www.soundclick.com...rmusic.htm

i am a huge fan and he is prolly my favourite vocalist. i have seen him twice, once with his Voicestra in Boston and once in London at the London Jazz Festival. both times the dude had me singing at the top o' my lungs.

Buddha Bless Him!!!!

i am a huge fan and he is prolly my favourite vocalist. i have seen him twice, once with his Voicestra in Boston and once in London at the London Jazz Festival. both times the dude had me singing at the top o' my lungs.

Buddha Bless Him!!!!

I love Bobby. I still remember the the first concert of his that I saw. It was mesmerising. I was watching it on TV speechless and wanted to clap my hands at the end of each song as if I was there in the audience. I´d love to see him live!