As a composer, arranger, pianist, and producer, Dave Grusin has worn many hats. He's scored movies and TV shows since the late '60s, winning an Oscar in 1989 for his original score to The Milagro Beanfield War (he should get an honorary Emmy solely for writing the awesome theme for the TV series Good Times). On this smooth jazz disc, Grusin surrounds himself with great musicians including guitarist Lee Ritenour and drummer Steve Gadd. For the most part, the music is good, not great, but it does bring back good memories of the times when I would gladly listen to anything and everything I could.
The CD is currently out of print, but digital files are readily available. Like all recordings on the GRP label at the time, the sound quality and production is immaculate.
Album chart peaks:
- US Billboard 200: #88
- Billboard Jazz: #4
- CashBox Jazz: #4
- Radio & Records Radio National Airplay: #1
Tracks: The better tracks are Last Train To Paradiso and She Could Be Mine. My favorite track is the Ritenour-penned Crystal Morning which, like most mornings, doesn't get going right away but slowly builds and awakens. I usually skip Anthem Internationale and Serengeti Walk which both sound like soundtrack work and are out of place here. Sweetwater Nights is a nice closer.
Personal Memory Associated with this CD: In college, I had a dubbed cassette tape with this on one side and Lee Ritenour's Rio on the other. That was a good pairing and the tape got playing time mainly on the 6 hour trips to see my parents.
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