Hurricane Country — Peter Sprague Plays Grusin and Klugh

For this recording we’re focusing in on some of the beautiful music composed and played by Dave Grusin and Earl Klugh. Both of these musician’s records were on heavy rotation at my house in Del Mar growing up and each added a unique influence to modern jazz.

Dave Grusin not only plays jazz piano but also a huge part of his career has been dedicated to composing music for film and TV. His score for the movie “Havana” is one of my favorites —lush orchestral moves, gorgeous chord changes, and stellar melodies is his stock and trade.

Earl Klugh was one of the first featured guitarists to break in on the scene playing nylon string guitar instead of electric guitar. There was Charlie Bird before him but actually no one else in the jazz arena. It was a unique sound and it inspired me to put down the pick and get those fingers acclimated to the nylon strings. Earl has composed some wonderful songs too.

I’ve selected some of my favorite tunes and then did a little rearranging to get them to work with our group. We like the compositions and we also like to improvise — the blendo of SpragueLand!

Thanks for listening…

Peter Sprague
January, 2025

Here’s the line up:
Peter Sprague — guitar
Tripp Sprague — sax and flute
Danny Green — piano
Justin Grinnell — bass
Duncan Moore —drums

Produced by Peter Sprague
Recorded at SpragueLand Studios, Encinitas, CA / 2024
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Peter Sprague at SpragueLand Studios

Special thanks to Yuris Zeltins, Andy Powers, D’Addario Strings, and Iron Horse Amps
All songs arranged by Peter Sprague

1) Dr. Macumba
Earl Klugh

2) Mambo Lido
Dave Grusin

3) Hurricane Country
Dave Grusin

4) Cabo Frio
Earl Klugh

5) Love Theme (From Havana)
Dave Grusin

6) Leucadia Uncompromised
Peter Sprague

7) Jolanta
Earl Klugh

8) El Conuco
Dave Grusin

9) La Academia
Dave Grusin