"Grover Washington, Jr. - Prime Cuts: The Greatest Hits 1987-1999" [ENHANCED]

Grover Washington Jr.

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 7, 1999)
• Original Release Date: December 7, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B000034CZG
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #105,592 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Washington's Columbia material wasn't quite as rapturous as his landmark records from the '70s (most notably Inner City Blues and Mister Magic), which minted the template for the smooth jazz. But Prime Cuts offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of a surprisingly adventurous period in the soulful saxophonist's career, which was tragically cut short by his death at age 56 in late 1999. There are classic Washington grooves like "Strawberry Moon" and his version of Brubeck's "Take Five," both songs showcasing his luminescent tone and sinuous inflections. "Only for You" and "Summer Nights" pour soothing horn phrases over lively percussion, while "Blues for D.P." puts Washington in a more straightforward, postbop setting with Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, and Grady Tate. Of the three previously unissued tracks, "Heat Index," suffers from a stilted arrangement and not enough bottom-tone organ; a new rendition of "Soulful Strut" is marvelous but only marginally different than the original; and "The Night Fantastic" is a relatively standard workout enhanced by Washington's dulcet modulations and quickly punctuated crescendoes. The closer, "Protect the Dream," delivers the giddy eddies and melodic swoons most listeners now associate with Kenny G--except that Grover's are invested with twice as much soul. --Britt Robson

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An honorable collection of a late great, July 27, 2000

By	John Jones "Musician" (Chicago IL) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

One of the founding fathers of the "smooth jazz" genre, pioneering the blending of jazz with pop and R&B elements, Grover Wsahington consistently produced work of a high order: strong choice in material, enticing arrangements, and rich, soulful saxophone work. This collection sums up twelve years with Columbia Records neatly but thoroughlly.

His takes on classics were always exciting, and Washington breathing new life into Dave Brubeck's "Take Five" and the standard "Please Send Me Someone to Love" are no exceptions. But even the newer compositions sounded timeless, whether it was the sensual rhythmic vibe of "Only for You (Siempre Para Ti Sere)," the head-bobbing infectiousness of "Soulful Strut," or the sheer beauty of "Strawberry Moon," a gorgeous composition that has rightfully established itself as a classic smooth jazz cut. And then there's "Sacred Kind of Love," a duet with Phyllis Hyman that is the epitome of bittersweet: it's hard not to wonder, a bit sadly, what Washington and Hyman might have stood to accomplish if they were alive today. Still, hearing them pair up at the height of their artistry is a priceless thrill.

Throw in two tracks recorded especially for this collection before Grover's untimely passing (the slick and inviting "Heat Index" and "The Night Fantastic") and you have a satisfying compilation of one of jazz's most beloved saxophonists. If soul and technique are the meat of musical recordings, these are prime cuts indeed.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mr. Grover Washington,Jr., December 31, 1999

By	E.White (California, USA) - See all my reviews

Grover was a world class saxophonist, a true legend with extraordinary talent and masterful techniques. He was simply so smooth and will be missed eternally. Much love and respect & Rest in peace Mr. Magic!

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Grover Washington: 1943-1999, December 18, 1999

By	"hesatbird98" (San Jose, CA United States) - See all my reviews

A fitting final album from the man who touched us all in Jazz. My first album of any kind was "Wine Light." Grover Washington was such a wonder musician. He will be missed, but his music will live on and continue to influence future players, the way it influenced my own playing.