Anyone know similar(ish) artists to Grover Washington...?

Hi, I got "mister magic" by grover washington, is pretty cool, but for me goes into lift-music territory sometimes - anyone know contemporary jazz that is funky, soul... just cool, and like this but without the "congratulations, you have won a dishwasher!" quiz show style bits? (or another album by grover washington, if hes done one that you think is better). i am being a bit harsh, i still like it... just think some bits of it very, very good and spoilt by odd not so good bit

here are some saxophonists with some funky soul chops in their playing: Gerald Albright (check his New Beginnings album), Eric Darius (check his Just Getting Started Album), Boney James (check his Ride album or Shine album)

for other albums by Grover Washington, try Feels So Good and Winelight.

If you want Contemporary Jazz in that style, but that is less "smooth", that's gonna be tough.. Grover basically started what we call smooth jazz today, and everyone that came after Grover is even 'smoother" than he is.. so you actually have to go back in time, to find stuff that is funkier, more soulful and doesn't remind you of riding the elevator.
For the best Grover Jr album, I think "Inner City Blues" is his best... Grover could blow, but the later you get in his recordings, the smoother, more commercial it gets.

For me, Gene Ammons and later Sonny Stitt, is funky/soul cool and a lot of where Grover came from.. .. for that matter, check out some Cannonball Adderley like "Mercy, Mercy Mercy".. or Stanley Turrentine.. "Sugar" or Houston Person.. there ain't nothing smooth about this stuff!! all these cats are pre-Grover, and a lot more raw edge and in a traditional jazz setting, from the late 60's, early 70's "soul jazz" era.. this may not be exactly what you are looking for, but its great stuff.
Other than that.. for Funky.. you can never go wrong with Maceo Parker.

Check out Grover Washington Live at the Bjou Cafe or Reed Seed, also check out Wine Light.

My favorite Grover Washington Jr. CD is a compilation album "Discovery". Which is a collection of early and very funky music done with mostly organ groups on Prestige label. Organ players as Charles Earland,Johnny Hammond Smith,Butch Cornell and other organ and guitar funkmasters in these groups where you will hear Grover Washington Jr. in a totally different light than winelight. Grover burns hot and heavy on this CD. For smooth sax playing try Najee he plays in similar groove to later Grover Washington Jr. smooth type Jazz. You might listen to Paul Desmond the alto sax player with Dave Brubeck for many years and who made many albums in his time for some really smooth alto sax playing before there was "smooth Jazz".

I like George Howard - he's got a little funkier/heavier sound. Boney James rocks too.

''Running Away'' by Roy Ayers.
''Chicago Song'' by David Sanborn.
''Dominoes'' by Donald Byrd.
''Expansions'' by Lonnie Liston Smith.
''Rock Creek Park'' by The Blackbyrds.
''The Bottle'' by Gil Scott Heron.
''Hydra'' by Grover Washington jr. ( Feels So Good ) album
''Brooklyn Heights'' by Down To The Bone.

Those are my top favorite songs / artists.

I agree with the previous post, George Howard.. George was in Grover's band when he was 18 or so.. Didn't he pass away a few years ago too? Drowning? Maybe he and Zachary Breau both died from drowning.