Grover Washington Jr The Best Is Yet To Come
Okay, picture this: it's a rainy Tuesday afternoon. I'm rummaging through my dad's old vinyl collection (you know, the kind that smells faintly of dust and forgotten dreams?). And then I stumble upon it. A cover with a dude, saxophone in hand, looking cooler than I'll ever be. "Grover Washington, Jr. - The Best Is Yet To Come." I thought, "Alright, let's see what this jazz thing is all about." And, well, let's just say my ears were in for a treat.
That album, man, it just grooved. It wasn't some stuffy, high-brow jazz that I couldn't wrap my head around. It was smooth, soulful, and instantly relatable. It was like a warm hug on a cold day. That first listen to "East River Drive" – pure bliss. I was hooked, line and sinker. It made me wonder about the title: "The Best Is Yet To Come." What did Grover really mean by that? Was he just being optimistic? Or was there something deeper going on?
A Smooth Revolution
Now, Grover Washington, Jr. wasn't just another saxophonist. He was a pioneer, a genre-bending wizard who helped bring smooth jazz into the mainstream. Some jazz purists might scoff (and trust me, some did!), but he made jazz accessible to a whole new audience. And "The Best Is Yet To Come" is a perfect example of why. It's a record that blends jazz, R&B, and funk in a way that's both sophisticated and undeniably catchy.
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Seriously, put on "Summer Chill" and tell me you don't want to sip a margarita on a beach somewhere. I dare you! (Okay, maybe not right now if you're at work, but definitely later!).
More Than Just a Title
But let's get back to that title. "The Best Is Yet To Come." On the surface, it's a hopeful sentiment. A promise of good things ahead. But I think it goes deeper than that. Grover released this album in 1982. He had already achieved a lot of success, but maybe, just maybe, he felt like he was still evolving, still pushing boundaries, still discovering new sounds.
Think about it: as artists (and as people in general, right?) we’re always striving for something more. That feeling of constant growth, of never quite being "there" – that's what keeps us going, keeps us creating, keeps us alive! What a beautiful and profound statement.
The Legacy Lives On
Sadly, Grover Washington, Jr. passed away in 1999. Way too soon. But his music lives on, inspiring countless musicians and bringing joy to millions. "The Best Is Yet To Come" isn't just an album title; it's a testament to his unwavering spirit, his dedication to his craft, and his belief in the power of music.
His impact on contemporary music is undeniable. From sampling in hip-hop to influence on modern smooth jazz artist, his work continues to be rediscovered by each generation.
And you know what? It's also a reminder to all of us that no matter where we are in our journey, there's always room for growth, always room for improvement, and always room for more good things to come. So next time you're feeling stuck or uninspired, put on "The Best Is Yet To Come" and let Grover's music remind you that anything is possible. Because, you know what? The best is yet to come.
Plus, it's just a damn good album. Go listen to it!
