Grover Washington, Jr. - Prime Cuts: The Columbia Years 1987-1999 (1999)

Washington's Columbia material wasn't quite as rapturous as his landmark records from the '70s (most notably Inner City Blues and Mister Magic), which minted the template for the smooth jazz. But Prime Cuts offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of a surprisingly adventurous period in the soulful saxophonist's career, which was tragically cut short by his death at age 56 in late 1999. There are classic Washington grooves like "Strawberry Moon" and his version of Brubeck's "Take Five," both songs showcasing his luminescent tone and sinuous inflections. "Only for You" and "Summer Nights" pour soothing horn phrases over lively percussion, while "Blues for D.P." puts Washington in a more straightforward, postbop setting with Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, and Grady Tate. Of the three previously unissued tracks, "Heat Index," suffers from a stilted arrangement and not enough bottom-tone organ; a new rendition of "Soulful Strut" is marvelous but only marginally different than the original; and "The Night Fantastic" is a relatively standard workout enhanced by Washington's dulcet modulations and quickly punctuated crescendoes. The closer, "Protect the Dream," delivers the giddy eddies and melodic swoons most listeners now associate with Kenny G--except that Grover's are invested with twice as much soul. -- Britt Robson