Over the course of his acclaimed career, saxophonist and ‘70s jazz-fusion pioneer Grover Washington, Jr. created a sumptuous blend of styles. He steered away from the experimental funk odysseys of other jazz visionaries while keeping a strong R&B pulse in his rhythms. Though the beat of “Mister Magic” has undeniable power, the full arrangement also offers chilled-out harmonies. Washington's tenor playing creates a similarly pleasing contrast, as he puts his amiable tone to use in rushing, confident melodic lines. His major pop crossover hit with Bill Withers, “Just the Two of Us”, similarly balances intimacy with intensity.