Year: Reissued in 2006 - Originally Released in 2001
Record Label: ARTizen Records
Style: Contemporary Jazz
Review: This album, the brainchild of Jason Miles, gives new depth and meaning to the word “tribute.” So much of Miles’s energy and deeply-felt commitment to this project is clearly evident. Grover Washington, Jr. was not only one of the true pioneers of smooth jazz, but his style really spoke to the kind, gentle nature of the man who has become synonymous with smooth jazz. Jason Miles does him great justice with this tribute, which features a stellar guest artist list, including jazz giants Gerald Albright, Russ Freeman, Herbie Mann, Ronnie Laws, Jay Beckenstein, Dave Koz...the list goes on and on (Miles has quite a network, and I’m sure that the nature of his project didn’t hurt a bit in recruiting these illustrious contributors).
To Grover With Love was originally released in 2001 and sold close to 100,000 copies before—get this—going out of print! When you hear this masterpiece, the logic behind this lapse in availability should truly escape you. However, thanks to the insightfulness of master saxman Richard Elliot and his partner, the funky trumpeter Rick Braun, this wonderful work was reissued this year via the duo’s newly created ARTizen Music Group.
The album features just some of the best tunes by the sorely missed sax giant—but what a collection Jason & Co. chose!. Each piece is full of the vitality, funk, and vividness that were all Grover’s signature components. From Gerald Albright’s smooth, slick, and bouncy rendition of “Winelight” to the silky interpretation of “Loran’s Dance,” courtesy of the Brecker brothers, Joe Sample, and others, you are ushered into the wondrous, colorful world of “Mr. Magic” himself. To say that this is a must-have addition to one’s smooth jazz collection is a gross understatement.
Tracks: Winelight, East River Drive, Inner City Blues, Mr. Magic, In The Name of Love, Black Frost, Just The Two of Us, Summer Chill, Take Me There, Let It Flow, Come Morning, Brighton By The Sea, Love Me Still, Loran's Dance
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