Jarreau itching to get back on tour

MARSEILLE, France, July 27 (UPI) -- U.S. soul singer Al Jarreau remains hospitalized in France but is on the mend and eager to start performing again, his manager said.

The entertainer was due to sing at a festival in the Alpine town of Barcelonette last week when he began experiencing breathing and heart problems.

He was initially hospitalized in critical condition, but his condition improved to stable Friday.

"Grammy Award-winning singer Al Jarreau has been transferred from the hospital in Gap, France to a Cardiac Center in Marseille for observation and recovery. Mr. Jarreau will undergo a series of tests, and he will work to strengthen himself, while in the care of the renowned medical team in Marseille," the manager said in a statement posted on Jarreau's Web site Sunday.

"Mr. Jarreau hopes to resume his tour at the end of the coming week," the statement continued. "Meanwhile, he has been quietly serenading the hospital staff to stay on point. Al would like to thank his fans for their kind wishes, support and understanding, which he has found completely heartwarming. He is grateful to the hospital personnel in Gap, and to the doctors and emergency medical workers in Barcelonette, for their compassionate and highest-quality medical care."