The Best Smooth Jazz Ever is packed with smooth jazz radio hits and highlights the musicians who have brought depth and soul to the most successful contemporary jazz label in the world over the past 20 years. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of GRP Records, this two-CD set features some of the most respected names in the jazz style, including
Al Jarreau,
Lee Ritenour,
Ramsey Lewis, and
Patti Austin, as well a hot new rendition of
Steve Winwood's "Roll With It," performed by
David Benoit,
Richard Elliot, and
Jeff Golub under the group name Group 3. Despite the fact that several of the artists on this compilation no longer record for GRP -- such as
the Rippingtons,
the Yellowjackets, and
Acoustic Alchemy -- many of them got their start at GRP, a label co-founded by pianist
Dave Grusin. There are many exceptional highlights within this set, including
Al Jarreau's hit from his 2000 GRP debut,
Tomorrow Today, titled "Just to Be Loved," and the late
George Howard's rendition of "Baby Come to Me" from his 1991 CD titled Love and Understanding. However, the exclusion of songs performed or composed by
Dave Grusin from this special anniversary compilation is very noticeable, especially since the label has received over 80 Grammy nominations and other coveted awards under his aegis. Otherwise this excellent compilation speaks for itself and remains a first-rate selection for any contemporary jazz collection. ~ Paula Edelstein