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From the Vault...
02/17/2013
#1347 |
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info
Grover Washington Jr.
"A Secret Place"
© Verve Records
Year of Release: 1976
Rating:
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track listing
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A Secret Place
Dolphin Dance
Not Yet
Love Makes It Better
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WSVNRadio Archives
Grover Washington Jr. related sites:
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Grover Washington Jr.
"A Secret Place"
I was first introduced to Grover Washington Jr.'s music with the hit did with Bill Withers -- "Just The Two Of Us" (1980). This song appeared on
his Winelight album. When researching the #1 Jazz albums, it turned out that he had quite a few #1 albums to his name -- 9 -- Winelight
was one of those #1's. (Only one of his albums, Skylarkin' is not available on CD.) A Secret Place hit #1 in January of 1977, for a total
of four weeks.
If it's smooth jazz you're looking for, it's right here. Only 4 songs on this album, all roughly a little of 8 minutes each. Let's just say there is
not one bad track on this album. The album's opening is the title track, great smooth jazz sound. "Dolphin Dance" is easy, light, having a
romatic setting. "Not Yet" is a great track, upbeat smooth jazz sound, with great instrumentation, and funky. "Love Makes It Better" is just
as "Not Yet", another good upbeat track.
Washington Jr.'s previous two albums Mister Magic and Feels So Good (both #1 albums) were of a heavier funk sound. A Secret Place
moved away from the heavy funk, and has a more laid-back approach. (The last two tracks are funky, but just enough to fit the whole album, of smooth,
straight, laid-back jazz.)
This is what Smooth Jazz should sound like. Instrumentals with a smooth sound, easy to relax to, easy to have in the background at work.
Grover Washington Jr.'s first album debut in 1972, and he recorded a 20+ albums until the year 2000. Sad to say that he passed away in 1999. Five days
after his 56th birthday, he appeared on a CBS television show, performed 4 songs, then he collapsed. He suffered a massive heart attack.
His music is definitely worth listening to. For all Smooth Jazz and regular Jazz fans alike, his music is a great. We look forward in reviewing
more of his albums, as each one of them are not only entertaining, they all hit #1. Long live Grover Washington Jr., and I hope his Skylarkin'
album gets the nod of approval to appear on CD.
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Review or any portion may not be reproduced
without written permission. Cover art is the
intellectual property of
Verve Records
and is used for reference purposes only.
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