ProJazz.net

Mister Magic is the fourth album by jazz saxophonist Grover Washington Jr., released in February 1975. The album topped both the soul and jazz albums chart and peaked at number ten on the pop chart.

Critical reception

The AllMusic review by Scott Yanow awarded the album 5 stars and stated:”This is one of Grover Washington, Jr.’s best-loved recordings and considered a classic of r&bish jazz. All four songs are quite enjoyable but it is “Mister Magic” that really caught on as a major hit. Bob James provided the colorful if somewhat commercial arrangements, there are spots for guitarist Eric Gale, and Washington (mostly on tenor and soprano) is heard in particularly creative form. Highly recommended.”

Trevor MacLaren at AllAboutJazz wrote:”The first record for anyone looking to hear a positive example of smooth is all here. Fused an R&B groove that is produced and arranged by future smooth mogul pianist Bob James, Mister Magic was a spotlight for one jazz’s great saxophone players.”

Track listing:
Side one
1. “Earth Tones” Bob James 12:20
2. “Passion Flower” Billy Strayhorn, Milt Raskin 5:30
Side two
1. “Mister Magic” Ralph MacDonald 8:58
2. “Black Frost” Bob James, Grover Washington Jr. 6:03
Total length: 32:51

Personnel:
Grover Washington Jr. – alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone
Bob James – acoustic piano, Fender Rhodes, arrangements and conductor
Eric Gale – guitars
Phil Upchurch – bass (1)
Gary King – bass (2, 3, 4)
Harvey Mason – drums
Ralph MacDonald – percussion

Brass and reed section:

Phil Bodner – baritone saxophone
Jerry Dodgion – tenor saxophone
Tony Studd – bass trombone
Wayne Andre – trombone
Jon Faddis and Marvin Stamm – trumpet, flugelhorn

String section:

Charles McCracken and Alan Shulman – cello
Alfred Brown and Emanuel Vardi – viola
Max Ellen, Paul Gershman, Harry Glickman, Harold Kohon, Harry Lookofsky, Joe Malin, David Nadien and Matthew Raimondi – violin

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Released: February 7, 1975
Recorded: November 1974
Studio: Van Gelder, Englewood Cliffs
Length: 32:51
Label: Kudu
Producer: Creed Taylor