Finger Paintings

Recording Info

Recorded in February 1977 at Kendun Recorders, Burbank, CA, Electric Lady Studios, New York, NY, and Columbia 30th Street Studios, New York, NY. Produced by Dave Grusin and Larry Rosen. Strings and horns were recorded by Phil Schier, and the album was recorded and mixed by Larry Rosen. Michael Ebert and Michael Shulman were studio assistants.

Track Highlights

• Dr. Macumba — Features a compelling Brazilian vibe
• Long Ago and Far Away (James Taylor)
• Cabo Frio
• Keep Your Eye on the Sparrow (Dave Grusin, Morgan Ames) — Horns arranged by Tom Scott
• Catherine
• Dance with Me (John Hall, Johanna Hall)
• Jolanta
• Summer Song
• This Time — Later, Al Jarreau added lyrics and that tune was the title track for the singer's chart-busting 1980 album This Time

Personnel

• Earl Klugh (Acoustic Guitar, Producer)
• Dave Grusin (Arranger, Conductor, Fender Rhodes, Synthesizer, Percussion)
• Lee Ritenour (Electric Guitar, 12-string guitar)
• Anthony Jackson (Electric Bass)
• Louis Johnson (Electric Bass)
• Francisco Centeno (Bass)
• Harvey Mason (Drums)
• Steve Gadd (Drums)
• Ralph MacDonald (Percussion)
• Steve Forman (Percussion)
• George Butler (Executive Producer)
• Larry Rosen (Producer, Recorded By, Mixed By)

Significance

"Finger Paintings" is considered a significant album in Earl Klugh's career, showcasing his versatility and mastery of the jazz idiom. It helped solidify his reputation as a leading figure in smooth jazz. The album has been praised for its delicate, expressive guitar playing and its blend of jazz, pop, and rhythm and blues. The album reached number 84 on the Billboard 200. It has been named one of the greatest jazz albums of all time by various publications.