April 2000

Grover Washington, Jr.
Prime Cuts: the Columbia Years (1987-1999)
Columbia Jazz

By Hilarie Grey

What makes Prime Cuts: the Columbia Years (1987-1999) great is having the chance to celebrate the talents of the late Grover Washington, Jr. once again, and experience the variety of styles which won this great saxophonist such a diverse following throughout his career. From the beautiful sinewy lines wrapping "Take Five," to more mild R&B fare like "Sacred Kind of Love," Washington always found just the right touch, and wasn't afraid to experiment. Most touching here is the heartfelt, gorgeous jazz-blues performance on "Please Send Me Someone to Love," which plays as a tender remembrance of one of the all-time greats.