In Copenhagen
Johnny Griffin
Engineer: Johnnie Hjerting,
Producer: Ole Matthiessen
Storyville, 2007
1 CD
Catalogue #: 1018515
EAN: 0717101851522
UPC: 717101851522
You save: 20%
Personnel: Johnny Griffin (tenor saxophone); Harry Pickens (piano); Curtis Lundy (bass guitar); Kenny Washington (drums).
Before he expatriated to Europe, and before John Coltrane's star rose in the early 1960's, Johnny Griffin was the fastest, most accomplished tenor saxophonist blazing on the American jazz scene. His hearty, energized style brightened records by Thelonious Monk, and he had a frequent partnership with Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis. IN COPENHAGEN finds Griffin tearing it up with peers Kenny Drew and Art Taylor, stretching out on such warhorses as "Exactly Like You" and "Wee Dot." Griffin can wax romantic and sentimental, he can roar ("Night In Tunisia"), and he can get bluesy ("Doctor's Blues"). COPENHAGEN should be a priority for devout fans of hard-bop saxophone.
Tracklist
Johnny Griffin
A physically small man with a big horn, Johnny Griffin arrived in New York City from Chicago in the 1940s, playing his tenor fast, loud, and with great exuberance in the blues-bop realm. He rightfully earned his nickname, "The Little Giant." His beautifully primal runs were featured in classic blowing sessions with John Coltrane and Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis. It was not until much later in his career that the tender balladeer within was revealed. Playing passionately right up to his 80th birthday, the saxophonist finally drifted into the night in Paris in 2008.
