Mister Magic is an album by American jazz saxophonist Grover Washington Jr. Released in 1975, it is considered one of his breakthrough recordings. The album features a fusion of jazz, funk, and soul, creating a unique sound that was popular at the time. The title track, "Mister Magic," is a standout song on the album. It starts with a catchy, funky bassline and builds up with Washington's smooth saxophone melodies. The song has a groovy feel to it, making it a favorite among jazz and funk enthusiasts.
Personnel: Grover Washington Jr. (ts, as, ss), Bob James (p, el p), Eric Gale (g), Gary King, Phil Upchurch (b), Harvey Mason (d), Ralph McDonald (perc), Jon Faddis, Marvin Stamm (tp, flh), Jerry Dodgion (ts), Phil Bodner (bs), Wayne Andre (tb), Tony Studd (btb) + String section: 8 violins, 2 violas and 2 cellos.
Bob James provided the colorful if somewhat commercial arrangements, there are spots for guitarist Eric Gale, and Washington mostly on tenor and soprano is heard in particularly creative form. Mister Magic , one of Washington s best-known compositions, avoids disaster with a strongly lyrical melody that even James canned brass hits can t ruin.
The song has a groovy feel to it, making it a favorite among jazz and funk enthusiasts. Aside from the title track, the album also includes other notable songs such as "Black Frost," "Earth Tones," and "Passion Flower." Each track showcases Washington's exceptional saxophone skills and ability to blend different musical genres into one cohesive sound.
Mister Magic
Pure dark magic from Grover Washington – a record that was a megahit back in the 70s, but which still sounds amazing many decades later! There's a sound here that's completely sublime – and the album is to Grover's career what the first 2 CTI sets by Bob James were to his – a stretched-out, masterpiece of sublime jazzy energy – served up with a really spacious sound overall! Grover's sharp-edged sax is at the lead of the set – but the album's also awash in electric piano work from Bob James – and backings that are as lean, clean, and soulful as the best on CTI from the time. Titles include the killer "Black Frost" – a track that we never tire of – plus the hit "Mister Magic", and the cuts "Earth Tones" and "Passion Flower". © 1996-2023, Dusty Groove, Inc.
Very Good
- Vinyl can have some dirt, but nothing major.
- May not shine under light, but should still be pretty clean, and not too dirty.
- May have a number of marks (5 to 10 at most), and obvious signs of play, but never a big cluster of them, or any major mark that would be very deep. Most marks should still not click under a fingernail.
- May not look near perfect, but should play fairly well, with slight surface noise, and the occasional click in part of a song, but never throughout a whole song or more.
- This is clearly a copy that was played by someone a number of times, but which could also be a good "play copy" for someone new.
Additional Marks & Notes
If something is noteworthy, we try to note it in the comments — especially if it is an oddity that is the only wrong thing about the record. This might include, but isn't limited to, warped records, tracks that skip, cover damage or wear as noted above, or strictly cosmetic flaws.
The last three cuts are less ambitious. "Passion Flower" is buried by Bob James' sappy string arrangements. "Mister Magic", one of Washington's best-known compositions, avoids disaster with a strongly lyrical melody that even James' canned brass hits can't ruin. Finally "Black Frost" regains some of the energy from Side A, and for once the string section adds mystery rather than cornball '70s cliches.
Mister Magic received critical acclaim upon its release and helped solidify Washington's place in the jazz and fusion music scene. It reached number 10 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart and gained significant mainstream success. Grover Washington Jr. was a pioneer in the jazz-funk fusion genre, often incorporating elements of R&B, soul, and pop music into his compositions. He had a smooth and distinctive tone on the saxophone, which helped him stand out among other jazz musicians of his time. Overall, Mister Magic is a timeless album that showcases Grover Washington Jr.'s talent and creativity. It remains a beloved classic in the jazz and funk genres, and its influence can still be heard in contemporary music today. It's a must-listen for jazz enthusiasts and fans of fusion music..
Reviews for "The Timeless Charms of Grover Washington Jr.'s Jazz Magic"
1. John - 1 star
I was really disappointed with "Mister Magic" by Grover Washington Jr. The album lacked any creativity or originality. It felt like I was listening to the same repetitive saxophone tunes on every track. There was no diversity in the music or any standout moments that captured my attention. Overall, it felt like a monotonous and forgettable listening experience.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
"Mister Magic" by Grover Washington Jr. didn't live up to the hype for me. While it had some catchy melodies, the album lacked depth and substance. The songs felt rushed and poorly developed, making it hard to truly connect with the music. I expected more from a jazz album, but unfortunately, I found myself bored and unimpressed throughout most of the tracks. Overall, it fell short of my expectations and I wouldn't recommend it.
3. Michael - 2.5 stars
I found "Mister Magic" by Grover Washington Jr. to be a bit underwhelming. While the saxophone playing was technically proficient, the album lacked any memorable tunes or moments. It felt like background music that never truly stood out. Additionally, the production quality could have been better, as some tracks felt poorly mixed. Overall, it wasn't a terrible album, but it definitely didn't leave a lasting impression on me.
4. Emily - 3 stars
I wasn't particularly impressed with "Mister Magic" by Grover Washington Jr. While there were some enjoyable jazz moments scattered throughout the album, it lacked consistency. Some tracks felt rushed and others dragged on, making it difficult to fully engage with the music. Additionally, I didn't find the melodies to be particularly captivating or unique. Overall, it was an average jazz album that didn't leave a lasting impression on me.