Alphonse Mouzon: The Survivor (1992)

First class recording, featuring a diverse and interesting line-up of jazz guest stars. Notables such as Lee Ritenour on guitar, Brandon Fields on alto sax, Russ Freeman on acoustic guitar, and many others work together to help Mouzon create a wonderful, joyous celebration of life through jazz. Extremely well recorded, the sound just pops out of the speakers and fills the house.

Tracklist:

01. Games People Play

02. Feeling Good
03. Two Lonely Hearts
04. All That Jazz
05. After the Rain
06. Survivor, The
07. It's Not over Yet
08. Soft and Gentle
09. Anticipation
10. In Hot Pursuit
11. Bedtime Stories

Personnel: Alphonse Mouzon (piano, synthesizer, drums, percussion); Phillip Ingram (vocals); Russ Freeman , Lee Ritenour (guitar, acoustic guitar); Gary Meek (soprano saxophone, alto saxophone); George Howard (soprano saxophone); Brandon Fields (alto saxophone); Ernie Watts, Kirk Whalum, Richard Elliot (tenor saxophone); Welton Gite (electric bass); Lynn Fiddmont, Sandra Simmons, Lynne Fiddmont, Portia Griffin (background vocals).

The Survivor

Rapidshare / Hotfile @ 320K

Various Artists: To Grover with Love (2002)

Arguably, only David Sanborn has had as much influence on the current crop of smooth-jazz sax stars as Grover Washington Jr., and on this tribute album, we get ample proof of Washington's impact. It's a testament to his talent that Gerald Albright, Dave Koz, and Everette Harp, playing three different horns--alto, soprano, and tenor, respectively--all sound exactly like the G-Man. His sway over the three younger players is so dominant on many of their own recordings, particularly Albright's, that the licks that are nods to Washington are indistinguishable from the originals. All of the instrumental tracks on this 14-song set play like Grover Washington Jr.'s greatest hits, with outstanding arrangements by the producer, keyboardist Jason Miles. On a couple of numbers, the arrangements are stronger than the performances. Tracks that work best are Regina Belle, Steve Cole, and George Duke doing "Just the Two of Us"; Herbie Mann working out on "Mister Magic"; and the Brecker Brothers teaming up with Joe Sample and Joey DeFrancesco on "Loran's Dance." Ronnie Laws and Richard Elliot, two players not influenced by Washington, also offer interesting performances. --Mark Ruffin

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To Grover with Love