Johnny Griffin JG CD

Alongside these classics are remarkably sturdy originals, including Ware's sprightly, Monk-esque "Riff Raff" (Ware worked with Monk, and was clearly influenced by his compositional style). Griffin contributes three tunes--the blues groove "Satin Wrap," "Bee-Ees," all sophisticated melody and finger-popping swing, and the looser jam of "Lollipop" with its driving R&B head and free-ranging solos. The rapport between these musicians is superb, on ballads and uptempo numbers alike, with Griffin's bright, infectious tone and smooth flow of ideas in the fore throughout. This is classic mid-'50s jazz, and sounds as crisp and magnificent today as it did on its initial release.

This 1956 Johnny Griffin release, his debut as a leader, is an excellent choice for reissue. Though brief (the album clocks in at just over 26 minutes), the set features the tenor saxophonist in the excellent company of pianist Junior Mance, bassist Wilbur Ware, and drummer Buddy Smith. Playing largely in a blues-inflected bop vein, with clear lyrical flourishes--especially on the part of Griffin, whose dreamy, lyrical phrasing often recalls Lester Young--the quartet turns in a top-notch set. Included are accomplished interpretations of standards like Jerome Kern's "Yesterdays" and the Benny Goodman chestnut "I Cried for You."

Personnel: Johnny Griffin (tenor saxophone); Junior Mance (piano); Wilbur Ware (bass guitar); Buddy Smith (drums).