Breezin, but Jarreau disdains orchestral backup and his voice is too grainy and bracing for the sleek, undistinguished small-group tracks he is working with here. And just because Benson scored with Leon Russell's "Masquerade" doesn't mean that Jarreau has to sing Russell too. In fact, the nonoriginal tune choices here are atrocious. Even though Jarreau turns James Taylor's "Fire and Rain" into a storefront sermon and strives mightily to obliterate the bland homily of John/Taupin's "Your Song," his own compositions are so much more suitable that Glow borders on musical schizophrenia.

Jarreau needs an adventurous producer who can balance his drive for pop acceptance with a selection of songs and settings which will enhance his individuality rather than trying to bury it. If Warner Bros. wises up and puts him together with a musician/producer on the order of Herbie Hancock or Joe Zawinul, the result is sure to be a fusion milestone and, very probably, a sales success as well. (RS 223)

ROBERT PALMER