Johnny Griffin – “The Congregation”
Johnny Griffin – “I’m Glad There Is You”
Johnny Griffin – “I Remember You”
From “The Congregation” : 1957 : Blue Note BLP 1580
“The Congregation” is a flat out hard-bop classic from one of the all-time tenor greats. Often billed around this time in his career as “the fastest saxophone in the west”, this album downplays that aspect of his talent for a more laid back session that shows off his phenomenal tone and soulful playing. The great Sonny Clark contributes heavily to the album on piano and the symbiosis between Clark and Griffin is evident throughout. 1957 was a busy year for Griffin, who joined Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers for a few months before replacing Coltrane in Thelonious Monk’s quartet (with whom he appeared on two classic live albums, “Misterioso” and “Thelonious in Action” in 1958). Legend has it that Monk pushed Orrin Keepnews hard to sign Griffin to Riverside Records, but Blue Note snatched him up first. “The Congregation” was his third and final Blue Note recording, before he eventually ended up on Riverside where he would record a handful of classic recordings to start out the 1960′s.
Players:
Johnny Griffin – Tenor Sax
Sonny Clark – Piano
Paul Chambers – Bass
Kenny Dennis – Drums