Golden Hits By Johnny Griffin

Dive into the rich, swinging sounds of the jazz legend Johnny Griffin with "Golden Hits By Johnny Griffin," a captivating collection released in 2019. This album is a testament to Griffin's mastery of hard bop and bebop, featuring four tracks that showcase his virtuosic tenor saxophone playing and his deep understanding of jazz tradition.

The album opens with "All The Things You Are," a classic standard that Griffin breathes new life into with his dynamic and expressive performance. "Ball Bearings," the longest track at over ten minutes, is a standout, offering a thrilling display of Griffin's improvisational skills and his ability to build tension and release over the course of a solo. The album also includes two versions of "Smoke Stack," a bluesy, up-tempo number that highlights Griffin's blues roots and his knack for catchy melodies.

"Golden Hits By Johnny Griffin" is not just a collection of songs, but a journey through the mind of one of jazz's most underrated greats. With a career spanning over five decades, Johnny Griffin has played with some of the biggest names in jazz, from Thelonious Monk to Miles Davis. This album is a chance to experience the genius of Johnny Griffin, a true master of the saxophone.

Johnny Griffin, affectionately known as "the Little Giant," was a powerhouse of jazz, renowned for his formidable technique and fiery performances. Born in Chicago in 1928, Griffin's career spanned over six decades, beginning in the mid-1940s and continuing until his passing in 2008. A pioneer of hard bop, Griffin's music is characterized by its complexity and harmonic richness, showcasing his remarkable ability to navigate intricate melodies with ease. His discography is vast, featuring notable collaborations with legends like Thelonious Monk, Art Blakey, and Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis. Griffin's influence extended beyond the United States; after relocating to Europe in the 1960s, he became a beloved figure in the European jazz scene, particularly as a member of the Kenny Clarke/Francy Boland Big Band. Griffin's legacy is celebrated not just for his technical prowess but also for the warmth and blues foundation that underpinned his playing, making him one of the all-time great tenor saxophonists.