Crate Digger’s Gold: Grover Washington Jr. Mister Magic

One of the joys of the last year of crate digging is the extensive catalog of Grover Washington  Jr. on Kudu that is available for cheap.  Grover was big enough in the day that he sold a lot of records so there is a good supply of used vinyl under his name.

This is one of Grover’s funkiest releases.  He rides the fine line between jazz and James Brown.  A terrific studio band backs him including the great rhythm of Harvey Mason (drums) and Ralph McDonald (percussion).

If you want an introduction to high quality jazz funk from the mid-70s this is a must have release.  This seems like an album that should be sampled by hip hop artists and sure enough a quick search found:

• DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince’s “A Touch of Jazz”
• Heavy D’s “You Ain’t Heard Nuttin’ Yet”
• Salt-N-Pepa’s “My Mike Sounds Nice”

all sampled this great release’s titular track.  Enjoy – should not cost you more than a couple bucks at your favorite used record store.

Listen to the opening riff of Grover and then head to Dj Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince at about the 2:20 mark.