On the Cusp - Grover Washington, Jr., Steacker, Richard L
You Make Me Dance - Grover Washington, Jr., Brown, Tyrone
Lock It in the Pocket - Grover Washington, Jr., Steacker, Richard L
Days in Our Lives/Mr. Magic - Grover Washington, Jr., MacDonald, Ralph
Summer Song
Juffure
Sausalito
Funkfoot
Following the example of soulful peers such as Curtis Mayfield and Les McCann, Grover Washington Jr. used Live at the Bijou's concert setting to elaborate upon the grooves that fuel his repertoire and to showcase the talen... more »t of his supporting cast. The three-piece rhythm section is in particularly fine fettle, mostly eschewing the fluidity of jazz in favor of sassy, rollicking funk that climaxes near the end of the disc with "Sausalito" (featuring percussionist Leonard Gibbs) and "Funkfoot." Flautist Leslie Burrs grabs center stage with a long, Washington-esque solo on "Days in Our Lives," and keyboardist James Simmons and violinist John Blake also have their signature moments. But the spotlight inevitably returns to Washington. Performing at the age of 34 at a neighborhood club in his native Philadelphia, the saxophonist is in prime form, tearing through "Mr. Magic" on tenor and prancing over "You Make Me Dance" with a fleet-fingered soprano solo. All told, Live at the Bijou ranks just behind Inner City Blues, Mister Magic, and Winelight as an essential part of his voluminous catalog. --Britt Robson« less
Following the example of soulful peers such as Curtis Mayfield and Les McCann, Grover Washington Jr. used Live at the Bijou's concert setting to elaborate upon the grooves that fuel his repertoire and to showcase the talent of his supporting cast. The three-piece rhythm section is in particularly fine fettle, mostly eschewing the fluidity of jazz in favor of sassy, rollicking funk that climaxes near the end of the disc with "Sausalito" (featuring percussionist Leonard Gibbs) and "Funkfoot." Flautist Leslie Burrs grabs center stage with a long, Washington-esque solo on "Days in Our Lives," and keyboardist James Simmons and violinist John Blake also have their signature moments. But the spotlight inevitably returns to Washington. Performing at the age of 34 at a neighborhood club in his native Philadelphia, the saxophonist is in prime form, tearing through "Mr. Magic" on tenor and prancing over "You Make Me Dance" with a fleet-fingered soprano solo. All told, Live at the Bijou ranks just behind Inner City Blues, Mister Magic, and Winelight as an essential part of his voluminous catalog. --Britt Robson
Johan Reijenga | Groningen, The Netherlands | 12/15/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As the title already states, I think the rating for this album should be even higher. I've been listening to it for years and years now, and I never get bored. This live performance is an excellent example of how jazz used to be funky in the seventies. It's all about the groove! Grover spits out all of his emotions while the jazz-funk outfit Locksmith accompanies him. The band's members also composed eight out of the nine superb songs on the album. Moreover, each of the band's individual members turns out to be an outstanding soloist as well. James "Sid" Simmons, Richard Lee Steacker, Leslie Burrs, John Blake, and Leonard "Dr." Gibbs. Drummer Millard "Pete" Vinsom and bass player Tyrone Brown give new meaning to the phrase: "Drums and bass gotta smash your face"! Grover will mention all the players' names so that there's a good chance that after a while the players will become your house friends like they have become mine. Listen to this musical message from the Philadelphia nightclub, and enjoy it over and over again. And most important of all: SPREAD THE WORD!"
"a musical highlight"
Ralph Welcker | The Hague, - Netherlands, 10 September 2000 | 12/20/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I've just bought the cd "Live at the Bijou" I heard the sad news that Grover Washington jr. had passed away. This live performance was truly a highlight in Mr. Washington's musical career as well as in Jazzfunk. It's soulful, funky and timeless. All tracks are extremely groovy and the excellent performances of Mr. Washington and his band, Locksmith, give you the feeling that you're really at the Bijou. This masterpiece is a fine way to always remember the great Grover Washington Jr.!"
First Jazz/Funk Album I Ever Heard.
Ralph Welcker | 05/13/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Live At The Bijou"was the first 70's jazz album I ever heard.The funky "Funkfoot" and the jazzy"You Make Me Dance" were simple mind blowing songs to me. After I heard this album I knew I was a Grover fan. When I found out he died in 1998 I was very sad because I felt like the world lost a true musicial musican. After this album I went out and brought albums like "Skylarkin","Paradise" and "Winelight".After I heard Grover I started to get into some stuff my dad listened to like The Crusaders,Rick Braun,Brian Culbertson and Steve Cole. Grover Washington Jr. will always live on."
This is truly a wonderful jazz/funk/r&b experience!!!
Ralph Welcker | 10/21/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Grover Washington, Jr. is definitely known for his many live performances, but this one, in my book is by far one of his most remarkable. Listening to this entire CD engulfs you with passion and delight. It makes you feel like you are actually at the Bijou Cafe, kicking back and grooving at the same time!! I highly recommend this CD to all musicians and music fans!!!!"
The "G-Man" flows smooth and funky
Jeffrey Harris | South San Francisco, CA United States | 06/11/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"One of the best albums in Grover Washington's vast catalog is this great live album "Live At The Bijou". Recorded before a crowd in his hometown of Philadelphia, Washington plays with a fire and passion that would only be heard sporatically on subsequent albums. Funky tracks like "Lock It In The Pocket", "On The Cusp" and "Funkfoot" and mellow tracks like "Sausalito" and "Days Of Our Lives"(which is in a medley with "Mr. Magic") provide a nice balance on this 75 plus minutes disc. The original album package has been nicely restored in CD format, which the original issue didn't even bother with. The most dramatic improvement is in the sound quality. Even the original album sounded a little muddy at times, but the original CD issue ranked as one of the worst sounding CD's ever pressed. This newly remastered version sounds clean and bright. One of the best albums from an artist whose talent and great musicianship I truly miss."