Johnny Griffin (tenor sax), Wes Montgomery (electric guitar), Wynton Kelly (piano), Paul Chambers (double bass) and Jimmy Cobb (drums). From the album Full House (1962).
In 1958 Jonny Griffin formed a sextet with Pepper Adams and Donald Byrd, and collaborated with Bud Powell and Elmo Hope. He also played that year with Thelonious Monk and then several times until 1967. In 1959 he recorded his album The Little Giant, whose title became his own nickname, and in 1960 he formed a band with tenor saxophonist Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis. Griffin got tired of America’s apathy for jazz and its acceptance of free jazz and moved to France in 1963 and the Netherlands in 1978.
He recorded many albums with European rhythmic sections and was a founding member of the Kenny Clarke and Francy Boland’s big band, and lead soloist from 1967 to 1969. He also recorded with Peter Herbolzheimer’s big band. In 1975 he played with the Dizzy Gillespie’s group and Count Basie’s big band. In the late 1970s he toured with saxophonist Dexter Gordon. In 1986 he joined the Paris Reunion Band and in 1991 recorded The Cat. He died in 2008 of a heart attack at the age of 80.
This theme has a Caribbean rhythm. Chamber enters making an ingenious and captivating solo and then they leave him alone playing animated melodies. Now it’s Kelly’s turn, who plays stimulating phrases with good judgment. Next comes Griffin with a friendly and cordial improvisation from those who make you feel good, although sometimes he speeds up. The last one to intervene is Montgomery with surprising and well articulated phrases, and then makes an equally compelling solo using octaves. Afterwards, the group re-exposes the topic and Kelly adds a concise passage to finish.
© Riverside Records/OJC
