To Grover, with Love

To Grover, with Love

ASIN: B00005B51J

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
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 interesting performances. --Mark Ruffin

Tracks:

Winelight
East River Drive
Inner City Blues (Makes Me Want To Holler)
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

Customer Reviews:

Grover would love to hear "To Grover, wiht love".......2007-05-29

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".

Cutting-edge performances........2007-03-11

Jason Miles shows his appreciation for the highly respected saxophonist Grover Washington with this excellent CD titled "To Grover, With Love". This is not your ordinary tribute CD filled with mere exercises in nostalgia, but one filled with cutting-edge, contemporary performances by flutist Herbie Mann, vocalist Regina Belle, saxman Steve Cole and guitarist Russ Freeman, among others.
Miles has selected 13 songs, including several of Grover Washington's best-known songs, and added solo showcases that flow smoothly with endless nuances of color and emotion. These versions do full justice to Grover's timeless compositions and songs by Marvin Gaye ("Inner City Blues") and Bill Withers ("Just The Two Of Us" and "Summer Chill").
The CD itself is the centerpiece since each track exhibits such high standards of musicianship from start to finish. From the guitar lead of Russ Freeman on "East River Drive" to the soulful sax wailings, this CD dusts off, shakes down, and hands you some searing soul, scorching riffs, and serious funk.
The instrumental arrangement that is clearly a refreshing change is Herbie Mann's flute playing that Miles substituted as lead instrument on the Washington saxophone legacy "Mr. Magic."
"To Grover, With Love" clearly ranks among Miles' best tributes that include his phenomenal hits that showcased the music of Wayne Shorter and Joe Zawinul on "The Music of Weather Report" and Ivan Lins' compositions on "A Love Affair: The Music of Ivan Lins".

Blues for Mister Magic........2006-08-12

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!

Just Superb.......2006-07-18

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

Amazon.com.......2006-07-18

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

Average customer rating:

To Grover, with Love
Jason Miles , and Various Artists
Manufacturer: Q. Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Soul-Jazz & Boogaloo | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music

Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

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Quiet Storm | R&B | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00005B51J
Release Date: 2001-04-17

Tracks:

Winelight - Gerald Albright
East River Drive - Russ Freeman
Inner City Blues - Ronnie Laws And Sounds Of Blackness
Mr Magic - Herbie Mann, Tom Schuman, And Jeff Mironov
In The Name Of Love - Dave Koz
Black Frost - Everette Harp
Just The Two Of Us - Regina Belle, Steve Cole, And George Duke
Summer Chill - Mark Whitfield
Take Me There - Richard Elliott
Let It Flow - Jay Beckenstein
Come Morning - Paul Taylor And Peter White
Brighton By The Sea - Chuck Loeb And Dave Mann
Love Me Still - Chaka Khan And Greg Philinganes
Loran's Dance - Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, And Jow Sample/Joey DeFrancesco

Amazon.com

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 interesting performances. --Mark Ruffin

Average customer rating:

To Grover With Love
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Pony Canyon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00005MFW1

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

Album Details

Tribute to Grover Washington Junior

Average customer rating:

To Grover-With Love

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000086EM3
Release Date: 2006-12-19

Heart Rock: 40 Great Love Songs [Time-life Music]

Average customer rating:

Heart Rock: 40 Great Love Songs [Time-life Music]
Various Artists 1. Take My Breath Away -- Berlin 2. Joanna -- Kool & The Gang 3. Total Eclipse Of The Heart -- Bonnie Tyler 4. A Woman Needs Love (Just Like You Do) -- Ray Parker Jr. & Raydio 5. In Too Deep -- Genesis , Use Ta Be My Girl -- The O'Jays 7. All By Myself -- Eric Carmen 8. I Can Dream About You -- Dan Hartman 9. Still -- Commodores , Jr With Bill Withers 11. Sexual Healing -- Marvin Gaye 12. Just Remember I Love You -- Firefall Just The Two Of Us -- Grover Washington , Too Little, Too Late -- Johnny Mathis & Deniece Williams 16. Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me -- Gladys Knight & The Pips Even The Nights Are Better -- Air Supply 14. Do You Really Want To Hurt Me -- Culture Club 15. Too Much , Shake You Down -- Gregory Abbott 18. Being With You -- Smokey Robinson 19. I'd Really Love To See You Tonigh -- England Dan & John Ford Coley , 1. Minute By Minute -- The Doobie Brothers 2. Time After Time -- Cyndi Lauper 3. Almost Paradise...Love Theme From Footloose -- Ann Wilson & Mike Reno 4. Lotta Love -- Nicolette Larson 5. I'm In You -- Peter Frampton , 6. Run To Me -- Dionne Warwick & Barry Manilow 7. Endless Love -- Diana Ross & Lionel Richie 8. Secret Lovers -- Atlantic Starr 9. After The Love Has Gone -- Earth Wind & Fire 10. Torn Between Two Lovers -- Mary MacGregor , 11. Can't We Try -- Dan Hill With Vonda Sheppard 12. One Hundred Ways -- Quincy Jones Featuring James Ingram 13. L-O-V-E (Love) -- Al Green 14. You're Only Lonely -- John David Souther , 15. All Cried Out -- Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam 16. You're All I Need To Get By -- Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell 17. Keep On Loving You -- REO Speedwagon , and 18. I Go Crazy -- Paul Davis 19. Open Arms -- Journey 20. Hold Me Now -- The Thompson Twins 21. You Are So Beautiful -- Joe Cocker
Manufacturer: Time Life
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000MI5EOM

Product Description

Heart Rock (Disc A) Label: Time-Life Music Year: 1988 Track Title 1. Take My Breath Away -- Berlin 2. Joanna -- Kool & The Gang 3. Total Eclipse Of The Heart -- Bonnie Tyler 4. A Woman Needs Love (Just Like You Do) -- Ray Parker Jr. & Raydio 5. In Too Deep -- Genesis 6. Use Ta Be My Girl -- The O'Jays 7. All By Myself -- Eric Carmen 8. I Can Dream About You -- Dan Hartman 9. Still -- Commodores 10. Just The Two Of Us -- Grover Washington,Jr With Bill Withers 11. Sexual Healing -- Marvin Gaye 12. Just Remember I Love You -- Firefall 13. Even The Nights Are Better -- Air Supply 14. Do You Really Want To Hurt Me -- Culture Club 15. Too Much, Too Little, Too Late -- Johnny Mathis & Deniece Williams 16. Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me -- Gladys Knight & The Pips 17. Shake You Down -- Gregory Abbott 18. Being With You -- Smokey Robinson 19. I'd Really Love To See You Tonigh -- England Dan & John Ford Coley ---==== Heart Rock (Disc B) Label: Time-Life Music Year: 1988 Track Title 1. Minute By Minute -- The Doobie Brothers 2. Time After Time -- Cyndi Lauper 3. Almost Paradise...Love Theme From Footloose -- Ann Wilson & Mike Reno 4. Lotta Love -- Nicolette Larson 5. I'm In You -- Peter Frampton 6. Run To Me -- Dionne Warwick & Barry Manilow 7. Endless Love -- Diana Ross & Lionel Richie 8. Secret Lovers -- Atlantic Starr 9. After The Love Has Gone -- Earth Wind & Fire 10. Torn Between Two Lovers -- Mary MacGregor 11. Can't We Try -- Dan Hill With Vonda Sheppard 12. One Hundred Ways -- Quincy Jones Featuring James Ingram 13. L-O-V-E (Love) -- Al Green 14. You're Only Lonely -- John David Souther 15. All Cried Out -- Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam 16. You're All I Need To Get By -- Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell 17. Keep On Loving You -- REO Speedwagon 18. I Go Crazy -- Paul Davis 19. Open Arms -- Journey 20. Hold Me Now -- The Thompson Twins 21. You Are So Beautiful -- Joe Cocker

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music