Johnny Griffin

Musician

Forjazz listeners, hard bop fans, tenor-saxophone enthusiasts
1 Reviews 0 Definitions 2 Charts

The Profile

Johnny Griffin (1928–2008) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist associated with hard bop and known for his strong, blues-infused sound.

Born in Chicago; prominent hard bop tenor saxophonist; recorded for Blue Note among other labels; played with John Coltrane, Paul Chambers, Thelonious Monk and Art Blakey. The DeBaser review notes an Andy Warhol-designed cover for The Congregation and highlights sidemen Sonny Clark and Paul Chambers.

DeBaser hosts a single detailed review of Johnny Griffin's The Congregation (1957) that frames Griffin as a strong, blues-infused hard bop tenor. The review praises Griffin's technique and sidemen (notably Paul Chambers and Sonny Clark) while arguing for greater recognition. Overall appraisal: a solid, recommendable record rather than a landmark masterpiece.

Notable Quotes

❝ Andy Warhol. The cover of this record was designed by the not yet famous Andy Warhol, one of the three works that the artist created for Blue Note, along with "Volume Two" and "Blue Lights" by Kenny Burrell.