Although a regular visitor to Spain over the years, Johnny Griffin did experience a cancellation of a Valencia concert back in 1974 because of the Franco regime’s ban on jazz. So relates sleeve note writer Jorge Garcia, who attended this live event 18 years later.
This is newly released material and whilst it offers nothing new for Griffin fans it is a fine representation of a man still at the top of his game on a set of tried and very trusted tunes, including his own The Cat, a piece he would often turn to in live performance.
Apart from Monk’s Rhythm-A-Ning these are fairly extensive workouts for the group completed by Americans Reggie Johnson and Doug Sides, the latter’s association with Griffin going back to the 60s. This line-up comes together nicely, to make a programme that presents the leader in the role of speedy operator (for which he was renowned) and convincing balladeer.
Uptempo numbers such as Just Friends find Griffin in typically ebullient mood, giving us a reminder of what a true presence he portrayed on the bandstand, displaying plenty of muscularity allied to an alacrity honed over decades in company with the music’s elite. When confronted by Sophisticated Lady he maintains a degree of toughness but never allows the beauty of the Ellington masterpiece to be overshadowed.
As already suggested, there are no surprises here but this disc reminds those of us lucky enough to catch the man in his prime what a force of nature he was.
Discography
Just Friends; A Monk’s Dream; Sophisticated Lady; The Cat; Rhythm-A-Ning; Blue Monk/Things Ain’t What They Used To Be (72.00)
Griffin (ts); Herve Sellin (p); Reggie Johnson (b); Doug Sides (d). Valencia, 29 January 1992.
Storyville 1018539
