Grover Washington, Jr. – Live At The Bijou

I still remember when I heard this totally great Grover Washington, Jr. record for the first time. And even with many years behind me, these fantastic early Kudu sessions still strike me like a natural force!

Live At The Bijou was recorded in May 1977 at the Bijou Cafe in Philadelphia with such giants like Tyrone Brown on Bass, Millard Vinson on the drums and the incredible James Simmons of Locksmith doing a fantastic job on the keyboards. Spread out over 2 LPs, they leave plenty of room for tasty, open-ended solos by Grover and the group.

Including the version of “Lock It In The Pocket”, as well as “Funkfoot”, “Sausalito”, “Summer Song”, and a long version of “Mr Magic”, this record is intent no making you groove and nothing else.

Although it has a pretty high funk quotient, Live at the Bijou won’t put off anyone who’s afraid of P-Funk, due to its more laid-back, feel-good flavour.

Sausalito

“Saulsalito” is a case in point: a light but tight groove replete with a percussive, butt-shaking rhythm, jazzy guitar and the relaxed comping of the electric piano. The vibe is so right, Grover doesn’t even enter with his soprano saxophone until more than four minutes in. And why should he? His band already had a good thing going.

This record is feel-good funk that still feels as good today as it did in 1977.

Funk you very much Mr. Washington, Jr.

This is an Earlier version of Mr. Magic not as powerfull and funky as the one on the Bijou album, but you get the point!!!!

Get it on: Discogs or Amazon