The aptly titled and much-sampled
Feels So Good represents the creative apex of
Grover Washington, Jr.'s sublime electric funk sound. Its shimmering, soulful grooves refute the argument that smooth jazz is little more than mere ambience, combining expert playing and intricate songwriting to create music that is both compelling and comforting. Arranger
Bob James is in top form here, creating the spacious, rich milieus that are his trademark, but regardless of the name above the title, bassist
Louis Johnson is the real star of the show. His supple rhythms percolate like coffee, adding oomph to the bottom of highlights "Hydra" and "Knucklehead" while
Washington's cream-and-sugar soprano sax solos soar over the top. ~ Jason Ankeny