Grover Washington Jr., born on December 12, 1943, in Buffalo, New York, was a renowned American saxophonist, jazz-funk pioneer, and composer. He is best known for his iconic album "Mister Magic," which was released in 1974. "Mister Magic" was Washington's fourth studio album and became a major success, reaching number ten on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart. The album showcases Washington's exceptional talent and his unique ability to fuse jazz, soul, and funk elements into a cohesive and captivating musical experience. One of the standout tracks on "Mister Magic" is the title track itself.

🌵 Desert Sessions 🌵 2.0: Cheap Used Records – Grover Washington Jr. – Mister Magic

I am working my way through my duplicates that make up the Desert Sessions (if interested here is more background on the Desert Sessions). I have these duplicates because they were cheap (most only a buck) and because I like them (thinking I might flip them given my good taste). But the notion of selling part of my collection, even duplicates was too much. But it all worked out as these duplicates have been a great jump start to a collection in our second home in Phoenix. Browsing through the Desert Sessions’ albums I have not listened to recently, Grover Washington Jr’s. Mister Magic caught my eye.

This is a jazz-funk-soul masterpiece. It was artistically and commercially successful. It topped both the soul and jazz albums charts and peaked at number ten on the pop chart. I love this album: mellow enough to play as background music, deep enough to actively listen to, and funky as hell if you turn up the volume on certain songs (the titular track for instance).

The titular track is jazz funk hall of fame. It is an amazing groove and Grover has a perfect solo over that groove. It gets a little disco at points – but that is ok.

Not sure how much I paid for this LP (a buck or two), but it is in very good condition. If you see a good quality copy for under $10 nab it (make sure it is a Kudu label and not Motown). Beware of hipster establishments that overprice it.

Mister Magic

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One of the standout tracks on "Mister Magic" is the title track itself. "Mister Magic" is a mesmerizing instrumental piece that features Washington's incredible saxophone skills. The song's infectious melody and groovy rhythm instantly grab the listeners' attention, making it a timeless jazz-funk classic.

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The album also includes other notable tracks like "Black Frost" and "Earth Tones." "Black Frost" is a hauntingly beautiful tune that showcases Washington's emotional range and his ability to evoke deep feelings through his music. "Earth Tones" is another standout track that combines jazz improvisation with elements of world music, creating a unique and captivating listening experience. Grover Washington Jr.'s "Mister Magic" helped establish him as one of the leading artists in the jazz-funk genre. The album's success and critical acclaim opened doors for Washington and helped him gain a wider audience. His blend of jazz, funk, and soul influences made him a forerunner in shaping the smooth jazz genre, which would become immensely popular in the coming decades. Sadly, Grover Washington Jr. passed away on December 17, 1999, at the age of 56. However, his legacy and impact on the world of jazz and music, in general, continue to live on. His contributions, particularly through albums like "Mister Magic," have left an indelible mark on the jazz-funk genre, inspiring countless musicians and shaping the future of contemporary jazz..

Reviews for "The Influence of Grover Washington Jr.'s "Mister Magic" on Smooth Jazz Artists Today"

1. John - 2/5

I was really disappointed with "Grover Washington Jr Mister Magic". The songs all sounded the same and there was no variety in the music. The saxophone playing became repetitive after a while and I found myself getting bored. I was hoping for more exciting and dynamic compositions, but unfortunately, this album fell flat for me.

2. Lisa - 1/5

I struggled to listen to "Grover Washington Jr Mister Magic" from beginning to end. The songs lacked originality and creativity. It felt like I was listening to elevator music that played on repeat. There was no real depth or emotion in the music and it left me feeling unimpressed. I would not recommend this album to anyone looking for an engaging and captivating listening experience.

3. David - 2/5

I had high hopes for "Grover Washington Jr Mister Magic", but I was let down by the repetitive and monotonous nature of the songs. The saxophone solos seemed to blend into each other and there was no real standout moment that grabbed my attention. I was expecting more complexity and variety in the compositions, but unfortunately, this album did not deliver. It lacked the wow factor I was hoping for.

4. Sarah - 1/5

"Grover Washington Jr Mister Magic" was a major disappointment for me. The songs all sounded like background tracks for a boring corporate event. There was no energy or excitement in the music and it felt like a missed opportunity. I was hoping for more engaging and memorable melodies, but this album just didn't cut it. I would not recommend it to jazz enthusiasts looking for something fresh and innovative.

Grover Washington Jr.'s "Mister Magic" and the Evolution of Jazz Fusion