Is Then and Now a good place to start with Grover Washington, Jr.?

Yes, Then and Now is recommended as a starting point for new Grover Washington, Jr. listeners. A rich tapestry of smooth jazz, woven with soulful melodies and intricate harmonies that showcase Washington's signature saxophone style. Released in 1988, Then and Now marked Grover Washington, Jr.'s continuation as a leading figure in the smooth jazz genre following his commercial success with albums like Winelight in 1980. At this point, Washington was solidifying his legacy while exploring deeper emotional expression through his music, collaborating with various artists to expand his sound.

Who is Then and Now for?

Then and Now works well if you're into steady melodic journey throughout, intricate arrangements for detail listening and soulful improvisation for emotional depth.

How many songs are on Then and Now?

Then and Now has 8 tracks, running approximately 56 minutes.

Then and Now

Grover Washington, Jr. · 1988

56 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A rich tapestry of smooth jazz, woven with soulful melodies and intricate harmonies that showcase Washington's signature saxophone style.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Blues for D.P. Start here — This opening track captures Washington's emotive playing style and sets the tone for the album with its deep blues influences and intricate improvisation.
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In a Sentimental Mood — Washington's interpretation of this Duke Ellington classic showcases his ability to infuse warmth and sensitivity into familiar melodies, highlighting his saxophone's expressiveness.
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Stolen Moments — The track features captivating arrangements and a rich interplay between instruments, demonstrating Washington's skill in blending different musical elements seamlessly.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

56 /100

Foothills

Higher than 47% of albums we've rated

The album blends original pieces with standards, maintaining a smooth jazz aesthetic but lacks strong thematic cohesion.

What we noticed

The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a smooth, laid-back mood, which is maintained throughout the first half.
Each track features Washington's saxophone prominently, often accompanied by lush keyboard and guitar arrangements that create a rich harmonic backdrop.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady melodic journey throughout
intricate arrangements for detail listening
soulful improvisation for emotional depth
for late-night relaxation

Maybe skip if you

seeks fast-paced excitement
prefers short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Continues Washington's legacy in smooth jazz with a blend of originals and standards.
Themes: smooth jazz evolution· saxophone warmth· emotive improvisation
Career context: Released in 1988, Then and Now marked Grover Washington, Jr.'s continuation as a leading figure in the smooth jazz genre following his commercial success with albums like Winelight in 1980. At this point, Washington was solidifying his legacy while exploring deeper emotional expression through his music, collaborating with various artists to expand his sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Bob James· David Sanborn· Kenny G