In the early '70s,
Kenny Burrell met
Grover Washington, Jr. in Chicago where they jammed together at the Jazz Showcase, promising someday to get together and make a record. In 1984, well after
Washington's massive commercial disco hit "Mr. Magic," the saxophonist had the inclination to do a straight-ahead jazz record, and reconnected with master guitarist
Burrell to do this one-off project. Drummer
Jack DeJohnette, bassist
Ron Carter, and percussionist
Ralph MacDonald joined the front men, the entire combo being CTI label refugees, to do this project for Blue Note records. This turned out to be a most satisfying session, with few -- if any -- commercial concessions. Only standards, originals, and Brazilian-tinged tunes are played, with not a hint of rote funk or fusion as these players had produced a decade prior.
Togethering is a great title in that many of the melodies are practiced and well rehearsed for
Burrell and Washington to play in tandem. They strike an attractive sonic pose on the modern, airy
Richard Evans tune "Soulero" that goes earthy and funky, a really good song with fine solos. The quirky and intriguing title track has the principals playing alongside each other, but diving off in angular degrees à la
Thelonious Monk.
Carter's deep soul hues during "Asphalt Canyon Blues" with
Burrell's guitar tagging along also makes for interesting, non-standardized listening. There are two
Duke Ellington offerings, including
Burrell's popping sounds setting off the straight-ahead "What Am I Here For?," while the regretful ballad "Day Dream" has
Washington's soprano all wistful and imaginary during this inspired, spatial take. The lone tune on tenor saxophone for
Washington is "A Beautiful Friendship," and he assimilates the languid, relaxed tone of his first hero,
Sonny Rollins. If any purist mainstream jazz listeners ever had problems with these musicians going for a buck by putting more R&B into their music, all is forgiven with the issuance of this marvelous album, which is more of a showcase for their true colors and collective musicianship beyond their commercialized efforts.
Burrell and
Washington proved to be a fine pairing -- a subtle, effective jazz partnership. ~ Michael G. Nastos