Nister Magic is a song by the renowned jazz saxophonist Grover Washington Jr. The track is from his album titled "All My Tomorrows," released in 1994. Grover Washington Jr., a pioneer in the smooth jazz genre, showcased his exceptional talent as a saxophonist in this beautiful composition. The song Nister Magic starts off with a catchy drumbeat that sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Grover Washington Jr.
Washington sounds solid on everything from deeply moving ballads and hard-hit funk numbers to thoughtful lines he weaves around a singer to a bubbling Latin number such as “Only for You.”
The title track is a funk number, Only for You is a bubbling Latin tune, Check Out Grover includes a rap by Man Slaughter, and Nancy Wilson and Four Tops lead singer Levi Stubbs turn in cameo vocals on other tracks. Meaning, Sandoval often has these heavy, repetitive Latin backbeats, and Latin Grooves that often dominate or play on equal footing with spontaneous jazz solos.
Grover Washington Jr.'s melodic saxophone lines weave in and out of the rhythm, creating a mesmerizing and captivating listening experience. The saxophone tones in this track are soft and smooth, characteristic of Washington's signature sound.
His Saxophones ‘Sing’ a Story : ‘Mister Magic’ Grover Washington Jr. Will Bring Sense of Spontaneity to the Coach House
Saxophonist Grover Washington Jr.’s two-decade career as a jazz-R&B; instrumentalist boasts consistent worldwide touring and close to two dozen solo albums, one of which, 1980’s “Winelight,” has sold more than 2 million copies.
That degree of success poses a challenge for Washington each time he steps onto a stage: How does he keep his audience happy as it clamors for his big numbers, such as “Mister Magic,” “Winelight” and “Let It Flow,” yet still work in the new material that keeps him fresh?
“It’s a major problem, trying to be musically representative to a 20-year career in the span of an hour and 15 minutes,” Washington said by phone from Fresno, one stop on a tour that brings him to the Coach House on Thursday and the Hollywood Bowl on Sunday.
AdvertisementSo to maintain a sense of spontaneity in each show, he dictates selections by the way his audience responds to different numbers, as well as playing the tunes he and his band mates want to cover.
“That way we usually come up with an across-the-board, well-rounded overview,” said Washington, 49, a Buffalo, N.Y., native who now resides in Philadelphia.
Some tunes are virtual requirements, though.
Take his theme song, “Mister Magic.” The tune was written by percussionist-producer Ralph MacDonald and became the title track on his first big-selling album, recorded in 1974.
“We can’t get out the door unless we play it,” Washington said with a laugh.
That album established Washington as a major-league contemporary-jazz artist. “Winelight,” from 1980, made him a jazz-pop star, as he began to play more arena-size venues. The album won a Grammy for best jazz/fusion album, and the track “Just the Two of Us,” featuring singer Bill Withers, picked up a Grammy the same year as best R & B song and hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Winelight” built a following for Washington that has remained steadfast. Still, the album has proven difficult to surpass, both in terms of sales and audience expectations, Washington said.
“It’s a wonderful thing to be known for one album,” he said. “And it’s also a curse because folks don’t look at the rest of your work in another musical direction asbeing equally as good. ‘Winelight’ sort of overshadows the things you try to accomplish, where you start by following your heart.”
AdvertisementWashington goes on, nonetheless.
His latest collection, 1992’s “Next Exit,” is a diverse mix of styles. The title track is a funk number, “Only for You” is a bubbling Latin tune, “Check Out Grover” includes a rap by Man Slaughter, and Nancy Wilson and Four Tops lead singer Levi Stubbs turn in cameo vocals on other tracks.
Washington sounds solid on everything from deeply moving ballads and hard-hit funk numbers to thoughtful lines he weaves around a singer to a bubbling Latin number such as “Only for You.”
The saxophonist said that no matter the tune, he strives to play a strong melody and to deliver a story.
“To be connected with a song, you have to call on whatever you have inside of you to play the melody and make it believable and sincere,” he said. “In this respect, less is more. You want to make the melody breathe, give it substance.”
Washington started his career as a tenor saxophonist, made his first solo album, 1971’s “Inner City Blues,” on alto and soon added soprano saxophone to his arsenal. He described his instruments in terms of the human voice.
“I feel the tenor is like the male voice, the alto is a multifaceted female voice, and the soprano is either one, it just depends on the tune,” he said.
The saxophonist said that working on a singing sound on all three horns is still his No. 1 priority.
“I try to get into that frame of mind,” he said. “The only thing I have to talk to the audience with, to communicate with, is my horn, so I listen to a lot of vocalists for phrasing. Sometimes I memorize lyrics so I can sing them through my horn.”
Recently, Washington did a show at the White House, where scores of jazz notables were being honored. He played a duet with Herbie Hancock.
“It was great,” he said, “seeing all those great players like Clark Terry, Illinois Jacquet, who was one of my heroes, and Dorothy Donegan.”
And how did President Clinton sound on saxophone?
“He sounds good,” Washington said. “He is letting the world see another dimension of him, and that is his music. He has a feel for it.”
* Grover Washington Jr. plays Thursday at 7 and 9:30 p.m., at the Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. $28.50. (714) 496-8930. Washington also headlines Sunday at 6 p.m. at JVC Jazz at the Bowl, Hollywood Bowl, 2301 Highland Ave., Hollywood. $7.50-$13. (213) 850-2000.
…I’m taking my first shower after finishing my video, and as always, my mind, a pretty harsh critic of my own music, is dissecting my just completed “Mister Magic” song note by note as I shower up.
Throughout the song, Washington's saxophone solos are accompanied by a solid rhythm section and intricate keyboard melodies. The balance between the saxophone and the other instruments creates a harmonious blend that enhances the overall musicality of Nister Magic. The composition showcases Washington's versatility as a musician. He effortlessly transitions from mellow and introspective sections to more upbeat and energetic passages, displaying his mastery of dynamics and phrasing. This ability to evoke different emotions through his playing is what makes Washington's music so timeless and appealing. Nister Magic has a soothing and relaxing quality, perfect for unwinding after a long day or creating a calming atmosphere. It is a song that transports the listener to a tranquil state of mind, allowing them to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. The smooth jazz elements combined with Washington's distinctive saxophone sound create a truly enchanting musical experience. In conclusion, Nister Magic is a beautiful composition by Grover Washington Jr. that highlights his remarkable talent as a saxophonist. The song's captivating melody, soothing tones, and masterful improvisation make it a standout track on the album "All My Tomorrows." Washington's ability to evoke a range of emotions through his playing is what makes this song and his music in general so enduring and beloved by jazz enthusiasts..
Reviews for "Grover Washington: The Genius behind Nister Magic's Allure"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Nister Magic" by Grover Washington. The songs felt repetitive and lacked any sort of excitement or originality. The album failed to capture my attention and I found myself skipping through tracks just to get to the end. Overall, it was a forgettable and dull listening experience.
2. Mark - 1 star - I was bored to tears by "Nister Magic" by Grover Washington. The jazz tunes felt like they were going in circles with no clear direction or purpose. The album lacked any memorable melodies or hooks, and the improvisation felt messy and uncoordinated. I would not recommend this album to anyone looking for a captivating jazz listening experience.
3. Emily - 2.5 stars - "Nister Magic" by Grover Washington left me underwhelmed. While the saxophone playing was technically proficient, the overall composition felt lacking. Many of the songs blended together and failed to leave a lasting impression. I expected more from an artist like Grover Washington, but this album didn't live up to my expectations.
4. John - 2 stars - I found "Nister Magic" by Grover Washington to be a bit lackluster. The album lacked any standout tracks and failed to make a lasting impression. The overall sound felt generic and predictable, with little deviation from the typical jazz formula. It was a forgettable listening experience and I wouldn't actively seek out this album again.
5. Rachel - 1.5 stars - "Nister Magic" by Grover Washington was a disappointment. The songs lacked any real depth or creativity and felt like generic, background jazz music. The album failed to engage me or evoke any emotion, and I found myself losing interest quickly. Overall, it was a forgettable and unremarkable listening experience.