Grover Washington Jr. | Reed Seed

In 1978 Grover Washington Jr. released Reed Seed right at the start my professional teaching career. Before that year I was either a full time college student and before that an US Air Force airman with a limited income and a very small record collection.  I made a pledge to myself that when started my professional career that an extensive record collection would be a personal trademark. To my surprise the teaching profession paychecks had to pay loans and bills. I did find a solution in part-time employment in a record store where I received my first free promotional lp from the Motown sales rep - Grover Washington Jr. “Reed Seed”.

Reed Seed is a favorite of mine and would defiantly rank high in my all-time favorites. Grover recorded this project with his entire inventory of saxophones (soprano, alto, tenor and baritone) and a flute. Just laying down that turntable needle on track one, “Do Dat”, was the 'turn on' this jazz junkie was craving. "Do Dat"’s combination of background vocals and assortment of instruments from Grover’s sidemen is the righteous queue to this amazing album. I can’t tell you how often Reed Seed has been in my player on many of my road trips.  The flow of “Step n Thru” track is an example of making driving an ease.

It’s the title track “Reed Seed” that is spine tingling. This selection is combination of Grover’s multi saxophones and John Blake on violin is just what the doctor ordered.  The most interesting selection is “Maracas Beach”. This reminds me of what I would listen to in the background reading a detective novel (smooth and seductive). 

My favorite track is “Santa Cruzin” and there is a reason. In 1986 I vacationed in the Bay area of Santa Cruz in California and I must say that this track well defined the experience and backs up packing great sounds for road trips. Noting can top Billy Joel’s “Just The Way You Are” but in my book Grover’s rendition is next in line. When you put together your next love mix consider adding this track. Wrapping it up a very sexy “Loran’s Dance” (video box above) that seals the deal. This lp was the last in the Grover Washington Jr. KUDU/Motown series issued. I recommend collecting all of Grover’s early works in this series, especially Reed Seed.

Personnel:

Grover Washington Jr.  – Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Baritone Saxophones (Flute)

Leonard “Doc” Gibbs – Percussion and Vocals

Richard L. Steacker – Guitar

Tyrone Brown – Bass

James Simmons – Piano and Keyboards

Millard Vinson – Drums

Jerry “The Mouse” Clark

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