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Mister Magic

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

Mister Magic is the fourth album by the saxophonist Grover Washington Jr. and came out in February 1975. Creed Taylor produced, Rudy Van Gelder recorded it, and Bob James wrote the arrangements and played piano and Fender Rhodes. Washington plays soprano, alto and tenor saxophone. An orchestra of strings and brass fills out the sound. The record contains four pieces.

The album topped both the soul and the jazz chart and reached tenth place on the pop albums chart. The critics were divided. Robert Christgau found it functional and praised the danceably bubbling rhythm section, but found the strings intrusive. Scott Yanow later called it a much-loved work and a classic of R&B-tinged jazz, with colourful arrangements that are somewhat commercial.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Mister Magic and notice how the rhythm section provides the danceable groove, with the saxophone above it.

Track list

  1. 1Earth Tones12:24Apple Music ↗
  2. 2Passion Flower5:36Apple Music ↗
  3. 3Mister Magic9:02Apple Music ↗
  4. 4Black Frost6:07Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗

Categories: Albums and songs