Nick Phillips
compiled this chronologically arranged nine-track overview of the career of "The Little Giant,"
Johnny Griffin
, as a leader and as a sideman for the
Riverside
,
Jazzland
Prestige
, and
Galaxy
catalogs. The recording dates mainly range from 1958-1962, though the final track, a lovely version of
"Autumn Leaves,"
comes from a 1978 session. There is only one original on the set, the wonderful
"63rd Street Theme"
from the album
The Little Giant
, in 1959. Other albums represented here are
Way Out!
Johnny Griffin Sextet
Tough Tenors
The Tenor Scene
with
Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis
Thelonious Monk
's
Thelonious in Action
, the great
Big Soul Band
session from 1960,
Wes Montgomery
Full House
Return of the Griffin
from 1978. The highlights of the set include the big band's version of
"Wade in the Water,"
the blazing version of
"Cherokee,"
and the reading of
Lester Young
"Tickle Toe."
Other highlights -- though non-musical ones -- are the insightful and engaging -- as well as authoritative -- liner notes by author and critic
Ashley Khan
. ~ Thom Jurek