Tenor Saxophonist Johnny Griffin: "A Blowin' Session".

CiTR -- The Jazz Show

Chicago born John Arnold Griffin 111 is better known as simply Johnny or in some cases "The Little Giant." Griffin was and is one of the major voices of the tenor saxophone. He emigrated to New York in late 1956 and was soon causing musical excitement in the Big Apple. He recorded his first Blue Note album and it was getting lots of play and in early 1957 he joined Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. He was doing sideman record dates as well. Tonight's Jazz Feature is his second Blue Note date and it's basically a jam type date with long tunes and plenty of solo time for all. Griffin requested this and it was agreed upon by Blue Note boss Alfred Lion. Griffin picked the young trumpet sensation still in his teens, Lee Morgan. Hank Mobley and John Coltrane were his other tenor saxophone partners. The rhythm section was powerful with Wynton Kelly on piano, Paul Chambers on bass and Griffin's boss, Art Blakey on drums. Two standard tunes were played and two Griffin originals comprised the date and everyone had a chance on all of these tunes to show their stuff. Unlike many blowing jam type sessions, the level was top notch on this one. This is Jazz at it's best.....in other words: the real deal! A Blowin' Session, tonight's Jazz Feature.