Winelight, featuring the track “Just The Two Of Us,” went platinum and garnered two Grammy awards. Winelight is probably one of Grover Washington’s best-loved albums. It includes Bill Withers’ Grammy Award winning song “Just the Two of Us,” and other well-executed smooth jazz compositions. Washington has long been one of the leaders in R&B-influenced jazz, and this album consolidates his claim to fame as one of the fathers of this often misunderstood sub-genre. Steve Gadd’s smart drumming gives each song a relaxed, infectious groove. The saxophonist really unwinds on tunes such as “Let it Flow (for “Dr. J.)” and “Make Me a Memory (Sad Samba),” improvising over a soulful blend of blues, jazz, and pop, a combination both accessible to mainstream pop listeners and musically compelling to jazz fans. Recorded in June and July 1980. Also available with Come Morning on 1 cassette. Live Recording Personnel: Grover Washington, Jr. (soprano, alto & tenor saxophones); Bill Withers (vocals); Paul Griffin, Richard Tee (Fender Rhodes); Raymond Chew (Clavinet); Bill Eaton, Ed Walsh (synthesizer); Eric Gale (guitar); Marcus Miller (bass); Steve Gadd (drums); Robert Greenidge (steel drums); Ralph MacDonald (percussion); Hilda Harris, Yvonne Lewis, Ullanda McCullough (background vocals). Producers: Grover Washington, Jr, Ralph MacDonald. Personnel: Grover Washington, Jr. (saxophone, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Bill Withers (vocals); Eric Gale (guitar); Paul Griffin (Fender Rhodes piano, Clavinet, keyboards); Richard Tee (Fender Rhodes piano); Ray Chew (Clavinet); Bill Eaton (Oberheim synthesizer); Steve Gadd (drums); Ralph MacDonald (congas, percussion); Robert Greenidge (steel drum); Ullanda McCullough, Yvonne Lewis, Hilda Harris (background vocals). Audio Remixer: Elliot Scheiner. Liner Note Author: David Nathan.

Recording information: Rosebud Recording Studio (06/1980-07/1980).

Photographers: Don Hunstein; Tom Copi; Jim Shea; Robin Kaplan; Scott Weiner.

Arranger: Bill Eaton.

tracks

1. Winelight
2. Let It Flow (For Dr. J)
3. In the Name of Love
4. Take Me There
5. Just The Two Of Us 
6. Make Me a Memory (Sad Samba) 6:32