A pioneering figure in hard bop, tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin recorded prolifically as a bandleader in addition to stints with pianist Thelonious Monk, drummer Art Blakey, in partnership with fellow tenor Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, and as a member of the Kenny Clarke/Francy Boland Big Band. Tired of being underappreciated in the United States, he went to live in Europe in 1963, a few years after recording this wonderful sextet LP. There, Griffin became the “first choice” sax player for visiting American musicians touring the continent during the ‘60s and ‘70s. He died at the age of 80 on July 25, 2008 in Mauprévoir, France, near Availles- Limouzine, where he had lived for the previous 24 years. Recorded on February 5, 1958, Johnny Griffin Sextet was the saxophonist’s debut on Riverside Records, for whom he would record a second album, Way Out!, the very next day. JOHNNY GRIFFIN, tenor sax PEPPER ADAMS, baritone sax DONALD BYRD, trumpet KENNY DREW, piano WILBUR WARE, bass PHILLY JOE JONES, drums New York, February 25 (A1-A2 & B1-B2) & February 26-27 (A3-A4 & B3), 1958. Adams & Byrd out on out on A3-A4 & B3. Original sessions produced by Orrin Keepnews. *BONUS TRACKS: From the same sessions. Not on the original LP. Originally issued on Griffin’s LP Way Out! (Riverside RLP 12-274).
