Grover Washington Jr. — Newport Jazz Festival, 1988

A major figure in jazz-funk and a pioneer of smooth jazz, Grover Washington Jr. was filmed on 13 August 1988 at the Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island for a full concert. The saxophonist, whose hit Winelight had marked the previous decade, unfurls his velvety phrasing on alto and soprano sax before one of the most prestigious audiences in American jazz. This full concert moves through standards and original compositions, including Winelight and Let It Flow (For Dr. J), illustrating the synthesis of funk groove, harmonic sophistication and melodic lyricism that became his signature. The capture conveys the energy of a historic festival and the instrumental mastery of a musician who brought jazz closer to a wide audience without sacrificing rigour. This 1988 filmed live concert is a precious testimony from a pivotal era of American jazz. An essential document for lovers of jazz saxophone and smooth jazz, recorded live at the Newport Jazz Festival.