Customer Reviews

To Grover With Love

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Arguably, only David Sanborn has had as much influence on the current crop of smooth-jazz sax stars as Grover Washington Jr., and on this tribute album, we get ample proof of Washington's impact.
It's a testament to his talent that Gerald Albright, Dave Koz, and Everette Harp, playing three different horns--alto, soprano, and tenor, respectively--all sound exactly like the G-Man.
His sway over the three younger players is so dominant on many of their own recordings, particularly Albright's, that the licks that are nods to Washington are indistinguishable from the originals.
All of the instrumental tracks on this 14-song set play like Grover Washington Jr.'s greatest hits, with outstanding arrangements by the producer, keyboardist Jason Miles.
On a couple of numbers, the arrangements are stronger than the performances.
Tracks that work best are Regina Belle, Steve Cole, and George Duke doing "Just the Two of Us"; Herbie Mann working out on "Mister Magic"; and the Brecker Brothers teaming up with Joe Sample and Joey DeFrancesco on "Loran's Dance."
Ronnie Laws and Richard Elliot, two players not influenced by Washington, also offer very interesting performances

Friends and acquaintances, if asked, would more than likely consider me to be a 'card carrying cynic' ( I much prefer the term realist! ). And when it comes to purchasing any music, to add to my ever growing collection, I may tend to be overly cautious. But having fallen victim to many a recording lable's marketing/pr depts. enticing come-on's I find I tend to look long and hard before I take the proverbial leap in handing over my hard-earned dollar for just any piece of music that might look promising. 'Once bitten twice shy!' And when it comes to 'Tribute' discs then my normally subdued internal alarms tend to blare loudly, secure in the knowledge that many of these CD's are much more concerned with seperating you from your money as opposed to actually showing repect for the artist contained within. So, with no small trepidition, I placed on headphones at my local record store, prepared to listen to " To Grover, With Love ", all the while smugly secure in my unfounded suspicions! But, once again, I was proven wrong....and happily so.
While many 'true' Jazz lover's would not find it complimentary Grover Washington ( along with David Sanborn ) may be primarily responsible for beginning the genre referred to as 'Smooth Jazz." And while many may wince at that remark it may, alas, very well be true as well. And with the list of artists to be found on " To Grover, With Love " it looks as though many have 'come home' to show their admiration for one of Jazz's true saxophone giants. A man, along with Stan Getz, who played his instrument in the most lyrical of fashions! And while paying tribute to a musician who has released an almost countless number of disc's may prove to be a task of almost 'herculean proportions' at least they do cover the basics here, and they cover them very well thank you! While I've never been a fan of the Ripingtons' Russ Freeman's " East River Drive " is a real delight. " Just The Two of Us " covered by Regina Belle and George Duke made me once again appreciate this classic and started me wonder why she doesn't cover more jazz standards ( Regina,you are just fantastic ! Keep on singing jazz,this is really your..kingdom ! ).
I must admit it was a thrill to hear Herbie Mann doing "Mr Magic " ( does anyone else remember Push Push? ) and doing it well. Lastly, as usual the Sounds of Blackness and Ronnie Laws rendition of " Inner City Blues " was as it should be....tough, urban and uncompromising. Finishing off the disc is the remarkable " Loran's Dance " led by the Brecker Bros. and Joe Sample and it is a worthy closer to a disc that I have simply fallen for....internal alarms not withstanding.

Overall, what makes any 'Tribute' disc a success isn't necessarily the artist contained within but the admiration and love that they feel for that 'object of affection.' So while the tracks contained here may not surpass the originals in any way they are crafted with a certain caring amd respect that brilliantly shine through. And with Grover leaving us with so much wonderful, unforgettable music it no doubt goes without saying that here is a man who will never be forgotten in our hearts. Mr. Magic may no longer be with us but, in many ways, he'll never be far from our thoughts either. Thank-you Grover!

Funny thing. I was reading all the reviews and one can hardly see among all the comments the name of Jason Miles. True, this is a tribute to Grover Washington Jr. "The Father of Smooth Jazz", but let's give credit where is due. Jason Miles, a great keyboardist and arranger himself, managed to glue this new project with an impecable sense of musicianship. It's not the first time he pays homage to great musicians (Miles Davis, Weather Report and Marvin Gaye are also awesome renditions) and it should be easy to say that he couldn't go wrong with the personnel available for this work. Well, I've heard quite a few tributes. Jazz, smooth jazz, rock, r&b, you name it, but I can undoubtly say this is by far the best crafted rendition of a great one like Grover that I've ever heard. From the songs to the musicians chosen to perform them, from the arragements to the solos, Jason Miles did one heck of a job. Geral Albright shines on his cover of "Winelight" so do Dave Koz and Everette Harp and as one reviewer wrote; they sound exactly like Grover, proving once again the legacy of his unique talent. "Just the two of us" put together an awesome perfomance by Regina Belle and George Duke as well as flutist Herbie Mann in Grover's trademak "Mr. Magic". There are so many great artists in this album (Joe Sample, Steve Cole, Joey DiFrancesco, Richard Elliot, The Brecker Brothers and the list go on) and they are so perfectly matched by Miles that one can only say; Grover would love to hear "To Grover, with love".

I just saw that this amazing CD has been re-released.To me this is
not only an exceptional tribute to Grover Washington Jr.It is an exceptional CD period. Excellent performances and great arrangements of some of Grovers classics.I have followed Jason Miles's work for a number of years and I am constantly surprised that he is not a bigger name in the music world.He has a very visionary quality to his work and this CD just rocks from beginning to end.The last song Lorans Dance with Michael and Randy Brecker,
Joe Sample and Joey DeFrancesco is just wonderfull.This Cd is a must for any serious fan of great music

The collection of talented artists on the tribute CD is breathtaking, and the resulting songs will not let you down. What you get with this CD is a remarkable collection of Grover Washington remakes by respected players, and the vocalists are the big bonus!! First, The Sounds Of Blackness provide 'collective vocal power' to 'Inner City Blues-Makes Me Wanna Holler', and as always, they shine! Next, Regina Belle brings her impressive style to 'Just The Two Of Us', and after hearing the song, you are left wanting MORE 'jazz' from the song stylist!! Grover would love this version!! Finally, Chaka Khan showcases her classic vocals on the rich 'Love Me Still', which she wrote years ago. This is the only song NOT originally recorded by Washington, and Chaka sings it out of love for her friend Grover (who had actually planned to record the song before his passing). If you like smooth contemporary jazz, this tribute to Grover Washington, Jr. is essential for your collection. Each track is truly a winner!!
Peace, SD (of 'Chaka's World')

This CD contains a lot of some of the best pages composed for that sax giant as Grover was . Dave Koz ,Beckstein , Albright , Herbie Mann and a a group of talented musician decided to pay his personal tribute in memorian of this remarkable and unforgettable jazz artist .
Recommendable all the way .

Friends and acquaintances, if asked, would more than likely consider me to be a 'card carrying cynic' ( I much prefer the term realist! ). And when it comes to purchasing any music, to add to my ever growing collection, I may tend to be overly cautious. But having fallen victim to many a recording lable's marketing/pr depts. enticing come-on's I find I tend to look long and hard before I take the proverbial leap in handing over my hard-earned dollar for just any piece of music that might look promising. 'Once bitten twice shy!' And when it comes to 'Tribute' discs then my normally subdued internal alarms tend to blare loudly, secure in the knowledge that many of these CD's are much more concerned with seperating you from your money as opposed to actually showing repect for the artist contained within. So, with no small trepidition, I placed on headphones at my local record store, prepared to listen to " To Grover, With Love ", all the while smugly secure in my unfounded suspicions! But, once again, I was proven wrong....and happily so.

While many 'true' Jazz lover's would not find it complimentary Grover Washington ( along with David Sanborn ) may be primarily responsible for beginning the genre referred to as 'Smooth Jazz." And while many may wince at that remark it may, alas, very well be true as well. And with the list of artists to be found on " To Grover, With Love " it looks as though many have 'come home' to show their admiration for one of Jazz's true saxophone giants. A man, along with Stan Getz, who played his instrument in the most lyrical of fashions! And while paying tribute to a musician who has released an almost countless number of disc's may prove to be a task of almost 'herculean proportions' at least they do cover the basics here, and they cover them very well thank you! While I've never been a fan of the Ripingtons' Russ Freeman's " East River Drive " is a real delight. " Just The Two of Us " covered by Regina Belle and George Duke made me once again appreciate this classic and started me wonder why she doesn't cover more jazz standards ( Regina, where are you? ). I must admit it was a thrill to hear Herbie Mann doing "Mr Magic " ( does anyone else remember Push Push? ) and doing it well. Lastly, as usual the Sounds of Blackness and Ronnie Laws rendition of " Inner City Blues " was as it should be....tough, urban and uncompromising. Finishing off the disc is the remarkable " Loran's Dance " led by the Brecker Bros. and Joe Sample and it is a worthy closer to a disc that I have simply fallen for....internal alarms not withstanding.

Overall, what makes any 'Tribute' disc a success isn't necessarily the artist contained within but the admiration and love that they feel for that 'object of affection.' So while the tracks contained here may not surpass the originals in any way they are crafted with a certain caring amd respect that brilliantly shine through. And with Grover leaving us with so much wonderful, unforgettable music it no doubt goes without saying that here is a man who will never be forgotten in our hearts. Mr. Magic may no longer be with us but, in many ways, he'll never be far from our thoughts either. Thank-you Grover!

After spending a year in Vietnam I was station at Fort Dix N.J. for a few months before I was discharged from the military back in 1971. I was listening to a jazz station out of Philidelphia when I heard a instrumental version of Marvin Gaye's Inner City Blues. Thats how long I've been a Grover fan. Now what this CD, absolutely outstanding, I am also a fan of all the artist who contributed to this fine reccrding. A great tribute to a great saxophonist who will be certainly missed.

When you have a talented musician/songwriter like Grover Washington, Jr., any tribute album is bound to be listenable. One that attracts the brightest lights of contemporary jazz is essential. The all-star cast chooses some of the more familiar of works, including Regina Belle doing a solid version of the crossover pop hit "Just the Two of Us." Saxophonists Dave Koz, Gerald Albright, & Jay Beckenstein (among others) do credible versions of other hits, but still don't quite match Washington's level. More interesting is Russ Freeman's rendition of "East River Drive," just to hear the song interpretered on guitar, and the 8-minute plus jam of "Loran's Dance" is a great closer. And for those who this is an intro to Washington's work, go out and pick up a copy of "Winelight." You won't regret it.

This is a fitting tribute to one of the greats, an all-star cast performing many of his hits and with great renditions of them. The list of performers is impressive, and the music even more so.

Gerald Albright gets it going right away with a great rendition of "Winelight", sounding much like the original. Russ Freeman does a terrific rendition of "East River Drive", doing quite well on the guitar what Grover did on the sax. Dave Koz's rendition of "In the Name of Love" is excellent, as is Mark Whitfield's "Summer Chill". Richard Elliot does well with "Take Me There", while Paul Taylor and Peter White do a great job with "Come Morning".

But it's not done yet, as Chuck Loeb and Dave Mann are solid with "Brighton By the Sea", and four good artists combine to close out with "Loran's Dance".

For any Grover fan, this is a nice tribute and a good introduction to many of his best songs, with the twist of another artist doing a nice rendition.