Patti Austin: Havana Candy (1977)

CTI was having its troubles financially at the time. They recycled arrangements for all their artists and limited their budgets. Austin sang this undistinguished material with as much conviction as she could muster, but the general pallid air lingering over the production also affected her vocals. -- AMG

Tracklist:
01. That's Enough For Me (5:50)
02. Little Baby (4:15)
03. I Just Want To Know (4:57)
04. Havana Candy (4:37)
05. Golden Oldies (4:44)
06. I Need Somebody (4:32)
07. We're In Love (4:03)
08. Lost In The Stars (5:02)
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Grover Washington, Jr.: Inside Moves (1984)

Although Grover Washington Jr. (on alto, tenor, soprano and baritone) puts on his usual strong effort, the forgettable material (which included no hits) and the emphasis on vocals (particularly those of Jon Lucien who is on five of the seven selections) makes this one of Washington's weaker efforts and the least essential of his four Elektra recordings. The background vocalists do not help much either. This was Grover Washington, Jr.'s only full-length album as a leader during the 1982-86 period but was not worth the effort.

Tracklist:

01. Inside Moves
02. Dawn Song
03. Watching You Watching Me
04. Secret Sounds
05. Jet Stream
06. When I Look At You
07. Sassy Stew
Personnel:
Grover Washington,Jr. - alto,tenor,soprano and baritone saxes
Ralph McDonald - congas,percussion,drum computer
Jon Lucien - vocal
Marcus Miller - bass,Yamaha DX-7,Jupiter 8
Richard Tee - Fender Rhodes
Eric Gale - guitar
Buddy Williams - drums
Steve Gadd - drums
Anthony McDonald - percussion
Anthony Jackson - bass
Lani Groves - background vocals
Yvone Lewis - background vocals
Maeretha Stewart - background vocals
William Eaton - bakground vocals,strings
Frank Floyd - background vocals
Zack Sounder - background vocals
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Earl Klugh: Heart String (1979)

Guitarist Earl Klugh was pioneering "smooth jazz" long before the media had ever given it a name. His highly polished fingerpicking and relaxed grooves were the template by which later artists would create the adult contemporary phenomenon that would forever change the climate of contemporary instrumental music.
His tastefully self-produced HEART STRING is a testament to the guitarist both as a musician and a stylist. Sticking mostly to acoustic and nylon-string guitars, Klugh weaves sparkling melodies and slick, yet brief solos over funky mid-tempo grooves flavored with electric keyboards and dramatic strings. Though jazz purists may frown on Klugh's highly commercial stylistic trappings, it's undeniable that he's a consummate arranger, orchestrator and guitarist capable of attractive sonic textures and intricate melodic invention. Highlights include the soothing title track, the flavorful "Spanish Night," and Klugh's short solo ballad "Waiting for Cathy."
Personnel: Earl Klugh (guitar, acoustic guitar, steel guitar); Phil Upchurch (guitar, electric guitar); Greg Phillinganes (electric piano, Clavinet, keyboards); Daryl Dybka (electric piano); Mickie Roaquemore (Clavinet); Hubie Crawford, Charles Meeks (electric bass); Gene Dunlap , Victor Lewis (drums); Ralph MacDonald (percussion).

Tracklist:
1. Heart String 6:23
2. I'll See You Again 5:53
3. Acoustic Lady (Parts I & II) 7:43
4. Spanish Night 3:18
5. Pretty World 4:57   
6. Waiting For Cathy 2:50
7. Rayna 5:15
8. Heart String (Reprise)

Buy at CD Universe

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