Bobby McFerrin Releases “Spirityouall”, Featuring Esperanza Spalding and Larry Grenadier

Master vocalist Bobby McFerrin has released Spirityouall, a thirteen track album compiled of classic spirituals as well as original compositions. Integrating many of McFerrin’s musical influences, the effort pays homage to the legacy of the singer’s father, the late baritone Robert McFerrin, Sr., who was the first African-American to sign a contract with the Metropolitan Opera Company. He was also a renowned interpreter of the American Negro Spiritual.

“I always thought that someday I’d sing these songs and that I’d have to find a way of doing it that was completely different from my father’s approach,” McFerrin said. “I think the idea has been kicking around for at least a couple of decades. And it was finally time.”

Spirityouall is anchored by the incredible jazz bassists Larry Grenadier and Esperanza Spalding, the latter of whom is also featured as a vocalist. Spalding and McFerrin create beautiful vocal duets on “Swing Low,” “Whole World,” and the opening track “Everytime,” which offers a joyful call and response.

Spirityouall is out now on CD and in digital formats (iTunes and Amazon MP3).

Spirityouall Track List:

1. Everytime
2. Swing Low
3. Joshua
4. Fix Me Jesus
5. Woe
6. I Shall Be Released
7. Whole World
8. Gracious
9. 25:15
10. Wade
11. Glory
12. Jesus Makes It Good
13. Rest / Yes Indeed