Recorded in 1993 under the GRP label, this ten song release of saxist George Howard had classic written all over it. As a follow-up to the highly successful Do I Cross Your Mind?, the release was highly anticipated by fans and artists alike. Having established himself in the smooth jazz format, he was able to bring in such artists as Stanley Clarke, George Duke, Everett Harp and Paul Jackson Jr.

The title track leads off and was a hit right away. “When Summer Comes” stayed on play lists for quite awhile that year as the infectious sax hooked many a listener into asking who they were listening to. “Grazin’ In The Grass” was a remake long before Boney and Rick Braun released it. The tune is pretty close to the original and the background vocals add just enough to the infectious chorus. “Just For Tonight” is a sensual love song that begins with Howard on vocalsand finishes with some nice touches of his soprano. “Hard Times” is bass-driven early and then the backup of a drum machine for good measure. Howard’s sax blends well with the keyboards of Vince Taylor.
         
“Family” is one of the more interesting cuts on the disc. Howard’s soprano takes a melodic lead and is later joined by a great horn section featuring Everett Harp. There’s a lot of great interaction throughout and George does some of his best playing on the disc. He lends both heart and soul into the playing of Jeffery Osborne’s “Only Human.”  The ladies add nice background vocals on the chorus. One of my favorites has to be “When A Child Smiles” just because of the simple lines and harmonic steps throughout the passages. Stanley Clarke’s bass can be felt throughout. I can only imagine what the inspiration was for this one. “Reach” picks up the pace again with the vocals of Marva King. Howard’s soprano is light as it drifts over the chorus. The final number is entitled “Out In The Cold.”  It’s a multi-layered treasure that finds a way to be both funky and seductive at the same time. It’s a nice one to finish on. The chorus is catchy and one you’ll remember for a while.

This is nice one to put on during those hot days of summer and listen to some cool sounds of a great sax artist who left us much too soon. George Howard died of Lymphoma in Atlanta back in March 1998. We stop and remember this pioneer in smooth jazz and are thankful for his contributions while he was here. If you’re unfamiliar with his works, I suggest you check them out today.  http://www.jayepurplewolf.com/HOWARD/georgehoward1.html

Harvey Cline