Mister Magic is an iconic album from one of the founders of the modern commercial saxophone sound. We look at why this Grover Washington album is important, and smooth jazz legend Boney James tells us why this is his favourite album.
FACT FILE:
Artist: Grover Washington, Jr.
Album: Mister Magic
Released: Kudu Records – 1975
MUSICIANS
Grover Washington, Jr.: Tenor, alto, and soprano sax
Bob James: Arranger/piano
Garry King / Phil Unchurch: Bass
Harvey Mason: Drums
Eric Gale: Guitar
Ralph MacDonald: Percussion
Plus the all-star horn and string sections
Why it’s important:
This is an iconic album, and one that shaped the direction of saxophone music that bridges the gap between jazz and pop styles. Mister Magic reached number 1 on both the Billboard RnB and Jazz charts, and the album also features some awesome playing by Bob James who went on to be recognised as one of the founders of the “smooth jazz” genre.
BONEY JAMES: My Classic Album
This was the very first time that I heard the saxophone played on the kind of music that I was enjoying as a kid, with that RnB groove but with a very luscious tone. Grover’s approach is very melodic, but also very interesting in terms of ideas. It’s always searching for something. It’s groove-orientated, but also melodic at the same time. This is a seminal record for me.
Grover had a strong jazz influence in his playing. He knew what he was doing but he was also doing something original and that’s what I aspire to do.
I only got to see Grover perform once, just a few months before he died. It was really wonderful because I had just made my first two records, and he had heard them! I was in the audience and he introduced me from the stage so I stood up and waved! That was a real honour. He was my idol and I was so grateful that I got to meet him before he passed away.