Search - Grover Washington Jr :: Reed Seed

NO DOUBT, THE BEST YOU'LL EVER HEAR!!

Charles N. Wyckoff | Traverse City, Michigan | 01/19/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Back in 1977, in my senior year of High School, my Mom and Dad got me a Technics Turntable, which at that time was...WOW!! Along with that turntable, I also received an album from John Klemmer and Grover Washington Jr. To this day, I still have both and have turned many a friend on to both. Overwhelmingly, to all who know Grover, this is his best effort!! I can't tell you how good this album/CD is, but if you listen to it once, it will be one of your favorites, "ever"!! Loran's Dance is a song that will never leave you. It has such passion, it's really hard to describe. Get it!! Buy it!! Tape it for those who can't get it. It is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

A Must Have in Any Jazz Lover's Collection!

LaShawn N. Hardy | OHIO | 12/20/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Being a latch key kid in Cleveland, Grover Washington Jr. was like my babysitter. Every afternoon I would come home from school and put on his music because he was/is my favorite jazz artist. I still listen to him daily as a way to de-stress from my work day. I even have my students listening to him and analyzing his music.



I really wish UMG would Re-release Reed Seed (And Skylarkin). They are two of my favorite Grover albums. On Reed Seed, Grover begins to transition to more sensual songs, not forgetting his funky side. "Songs like "Maracas Beach" and "Loran's Dance" are very sexy, with a funky edge, while "Do Dat" is pure get up and dance funk. On "Step N' Thru", you can really hear how Grover can make his horn sound like the violins. Grover is known to make his horn sing. I read once that many of his songs have lyrics to them, which would account for why they sound so melodic.



With Reed Seed, Paradise, and Skylarkin, you can see where Grover was heading, and where the jazz scene has heading.

I like to listen to this album, Paradise, and Skylarkin back to back because they kind of flow together. Actually, if you listen to all of Grover's albums in chronological succession, you will hear the progression.

"

Another gem worthy of 10 stars!

P.J. Le Faucheur | Canada (ex- U.K. resident) | 03/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Do you know I can't work out why someone hasn't actually re-released this wonderful album on to compact disc.(maybe there's a contractual problem?) It remains still one of the BEST EVER jazz -fusion albums of ALL time from way back in the late 1970s. I wore out my vinyl copies back in 1978 and can't find a replacement. Every track is totally blissful however, for me the standout song has to be that mesmerizing track called "Caracas Beach". A very haunting & atmospheric song .It almost makes you feel that you are there with the waves of the sea in the background. "Santa Cruzin' is another wonderfully arranged song, and is quite unusual in that an electric violin plays in harmony with Grovers alto sax during the melody line. An incredibly effective idea!! Every track is perfectly balanced and Grover has never sounded so good."Do Dat" was the single from this LP and it's a funky groove reminiscent of the 70s. There is a prevailing Latin feel throughout the album with some wonderful percussion solos.(on 'Santa Cruzin' particularly) Even,as i recall, the LP cover art was beautifully done. Back in 1977 the vinyl copy stood out boldly amongst the other LPs on the rack.

Unfortunately this album is still only available on second-hand vinyl (and at a phenomenal price!). Together with "Mister Magic" (which was a landmark recording) & "Feels So Good" this additionally is a masterpiece from G.W. Jnr.

Grover was an outstandingly gifted performer and a friendly, warm person.He is hugely missed by all who loved him! Maybe one day someone will re-issue this gem in honour of his memory."