The live album recorded at the Bijou Cafe jazz club in Philadelphia was Grover Washington Jr.'s coming out party. It didn’t disappoint the hometown fans with a power play of lesser known tunes that were strongly creative, stylish compositions.
The 12 minute arrangement of “Mister Magic” no doubt is a treat but “Sausalito” sets the tempo, allowing other members of the band to shine as James "Sid" Simmons (piano), Tyrone Brown (bass), Richard Lee Stecker (guitar), Millard "Pete" Vinson (drums) all contributed exceptionally. They all were invited to help in the recording of Grover's followup album "Reed Seed.” The soulful “Juffure” captures the late saxophonist unique conceptual improvisations at its greatest levels.
"Live At The Bijou" is a must have for Grover Washington followers because these were the kind of unforgettable performances that separated him from the other horn players.
