Various Artists

Various Artists
To Grover With Love
(Q Records – 2001)
  by Ray Redmond

Some of today’s top contemporary jazz artists pay musical tribute to Grove Washington, Jr., the man that some credit with crossing the definitions of “jazz” and “urban” music. Produced by Jason Miles, this CD features interpretations of Grover’s most memorable songs, including the hits “Winelight,” “Just The Two Of Us,” and “Mr. Magic.” Miles made sure to include all of the best Grover songs, including my own favorite “Black Frost”, performed by Everett Harp.

The all-star cast on this CD includes Regina Belle, George Duke, Dave Koz, Chaka Khan, Joe Sample, Ronnie Laws, Gerald Albright, Michael & Randy Brecker to name a few. So, is it good? Yes, of course it is! I guess it is theoretically possible to take a group of GREAT musicians, task them to play a group of GREAT songs and come up with a dud, but not here. Not this time, this is FAR from it. These are songs that will never get old, and I’d say this compilation puts a fresh new spin on these old favorites that everyone will enjoy.