Big Rob

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Joy is the message, music is the medium, and Grover Washington, Jr. is the undisputed master.

SOULFUL STRUT is Grover at his most mellow. His sound has never been more seductive and his mood never more relaxed. This is an artist at the absolute peak of his powers.

For some twenty-five years, Grover Washington has been among the most beloved instrumentalists in popular music. No saxophonist has managed to maintain the middle ground between jazz and rhythm-and-blues with greater style or grace.

"I don't think in terms of categories," says Grover. "My main motive is to move on. My job is to explore and express music of the heart. I want to venture forward. I want to stay in the mood of my moment. And for SOULFUL STRUT, my mood was upbeat and happy."

Coming after All My Tomorrows, Washington's extravagantly praised venture into straight-ahead jazz from 1994, SOULFUL STRUT is a surprise and a delight, a welcome return to the territory Grover pioneered, that fertile ground where lush melodies meet infectious rhythms.

Ever since Washington stepped into the national spotlight in 1971 with his remarkable reading of Marvin Gaye's "Inner City Blues," the saxophonist has been in the vanguard of popular sound.

"Soulful Strut," the title tune, echoes that earlier era. "I tried to approach the Young-Holt Unlimited hit with fresh ears," says Grover, referring to the original version from 1968. "That was a beautiful time in my life. I was a sideman burning with energy and ideas. The music of the day, from Stan Getz to Sly Stone to Stevie Wonder, was inspiring to me. 'Soulful Strut' catches that vibe. I was going for that let's-walk-on-air feeling."

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open minds are like sand dollars - they do exist but finding one in tact is never easy. water erodes them, nature breaks them, and every time i get a chance, I SMASH THE HELL OUT OF THEM WITH MY FOOT!!!

i have come to the groggy realization that my entire life is lived in the effort to avoid boredom...

speechlessques

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WOOOOOO HOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mister Magic himself. This man is a genius. He's talented, and his works speak volumes by themselves. If you are afraid of jazz because you think it will be boring, or put you to sleep, download All My Tommorrows... you will have a new opinion of the entire genre. Grover Washingotn Jr. is the shit. End of discussion. -=0)

(unless of course you would like to praise him as well)

Big Rob

tiffany save me some time and burn me a cd - since your comin down soon...

speechlessques

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a mix? or just all my tommorrows?

Big Rob

whatever is clever

speechlessques

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don't be indecisive. say what you want.

Big Rob

ill talk to you in IMs