Tag: Grover Washington Jr.

Title: Grover Washington, Jr. – Winelight (1980) [Audio Fidelity 2015]
Genre: Jazz
Format: MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Grover Washington, Jr., has long been one of the leaders in what could be called rhythm & jazz, essentially R&B-influenced jazz. Winelight is one of his finest albums, and not primarily because of the Bill Withers hit “Just the Two of Us.” It is the five instrumentals that find Washington (on soprano, alto, and tenor) really stretching out. If he had been only interested in sales, Washington’s solos could have been half as long and he would have stuck closely to the melody. Instead he really pushes himself on some of these selections, particularly the title cut. A memorable set of high-quality and danceable soul-jazz.

hraudio | allmusic | discogs

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Title: Grover Washington, Jr. – Prime Cuts: The Columbia Years 1987-1999 (1999) [Japanese Reissue 2001]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Grover Washington, Jr.’s fatal 1999 heart attack cut a successful 30-year recording career tragically short. Washington’s legacy was his ability to combine jazz and pop by tracing their common roots in R&B and soul music. He found fans among the younger wave of jazz listeners, who were attracted to the sounds of what became known as “smooth jazz.”

Washington’s jazzier side is highlighted on this retrospective, in addition to his smooth jazz inclinations. Standout tracks include a big band version of “Please Send Me Someone to Love,” as well as a version of Ron Carter’s “Blues for DP,” where he proves he’s an effective and skilled jazz saxophonist; his soprano solo is wonderfully constructed. A thought-provoking and varied set of music, PRIME CUTS is a good introduction to Washington’s music, as well as an endearing farewell to the father of what could be termed “rhythm & jazz”.

hraudio | allmusic | discogs

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