Mister Magic

This saxophonist’s fourth album was soulfully engaged with the strings-laden production sonics of mid-’70s R&B—but not at the expense of majestic soloing. Check out the progression of Washington’s long soprano spotlight on opener “Earth Tones”: He builds to peak intensity with a patience that plenty of other fusion artists don’t have. Later, he reinforces his connection to the core jazz tradition with a winning cover of Billy Strayhorn’s “Passion Flower.”

This is one of Grover Washington, Jr.'s best-loved recordings and considered a classic of r&bish jazz.