My Dear Family (1993)

About this title: This date is notable for the pairing of pianist Mal Waldron and smooth jazz reedman Grover Washington, Jr.. Washington was always over-qualified to play his particular brand of instrumental pop, and it is a joy to hear him stretch out a bit on this straight-ahead session. His supple tone mixes well with trumpeter Eddie Henderson and both musicians take full harmonic advantage of performing with the moody and expansive Waldron. The only disappointment here is the overall somber quality of the selections. Despite an inspired version of "Footprints" and an unexpected choice in the funky "Jean ... read more

Tracks:

1. Footprints [Shorter]
2. Left Alone [Holiday/Waldron]
3. Sassy [Waldron]
4. Sakura Sakura (Cherry Blossom) [Traditional]
5. Here's That Rainy Day [Burke/VanHeusen]
6. Jean-Pierre [Davis]
7. Red Shoes [Ujo Noguchi]
8. My Dear Family [Waldron]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.