JOHNNY GRIFFIN - YOU LEAVE ME BREATHLESS

Johnny Griffin - you leave me breathless

I seem to be on a bit of a Black Lion roll lately. Well maybe not from where you're standing but here around chez hook it's been relentless.
But, goddam, what a bunch of records! I grabbed them when I could and never found disappointment.

Here's another that completely rocks my little world.

Griffin was one of those guys that seems to leave the tune behind, working on chords and shit I don't even understand. Sure 'trane did the same thing but I seemed to have always been able to wrap my head around Trane. Perhaps it was because of the early exposure.

Negotiating chord changes - I have no idea what that means. I think Griffin rolled out some muscular versions of these songs and has kept my interest. I think these ex-patriots were having a blast relishing in the accolades showered on them in Europe at the time and the bonus has been these great recordings.

There are some fine romps here, but it is the 12 minute, subtlety menacing ballad "Old Folks" that has always captured my imagination.

Johnny Griffin
you leave me breathless

1. rhythm-a-ning
2. old folks
3. wee
4. you leave me breathless
5. leave me alone blues

johnny griffin - tenor sax
kenny drew - piano
nils henning orsted - bass
albert heath - drums

march 30/31 - 1967
monmatre jazzhuis, copenhagen

BL-304