My Old Friend: Celebrating George Duke (Al Jarreau) | 4/5

SINGAPORE — The idea of the 70-year-old veteran jazz singer recording an album in memory of an old friend who recently passed away may invite skepticism. Regurgitating Duke’s original compositions, even by a talent as fierce as Jarreau, could have been a warped affair.

But Jarreau fashions his musical spin-offs with his set of powerful throaty chuckles and classic jazzy embellishments. It’s hardly a surprise given his long association with soul-jazz, with some pop-funk in the mix. The guiding principle is that Jarreau rarely deviates from his norm, giving his tracks consistency.

Our favourite is Brazilian Love Affair, featuring Duke’s cousin Dianne Reeves. It begins with a samba-inspired intro and is awash in sexy cha-cha tempos as Jarreau’s and Reeves’ voices interweaving like teasing lovers.

The relationship between Jarreau’s recognisable lilt and the controlled trumpet is especially enjoyable — listen to Bring Me Joy and SomeBossa — combining zephyr-like singing and light instrumental finishes, which radiate sophistication.