Name: Blues for Harvey
Brand: Stateside Distributors
SKU: 762268
Price: 260 HKD
Availability: InStock

Blues for Harvey

Rating

Performer Notes

Personnel: Johnny Griffin (tenor saxophone); Toots Thielemans (harmonica); Kenny Drew (piano); Ed Thigpen (drums).
Recording information: Jazzhus Montmartre, Copenhagen, Denmark (07/04/1973-07/05/1973).
Photographer: Jorgen Bo.
Johnny Griffin is heard in a pair of dates recorded in 1972 at Jazzhus Montmartre in Copenhagen, joined by fellow American expatriates Kenny Drew and Ed Thigpen, along with bassist Mads Vinding. Most of this album is devoted to Griffin's originals. His piercing, extended blues "That Party Upstairs" is followed by a somber ballad "Alone Again" (not the bland Gilbert O'Sullivan pop hit "Along Again (Naturally)," as listed in some discographies). His remake of his early composition "Soft and Furry" features Vinding's delightful arco bass in octave unison with Griffin's tenor sax. The furious uptempo "Blues for Harvey" gives way to a turbulent pair of choruses of Thelonious Monk's "Rhythm-A-Ning." There are some exciting moments, but overall, this live record falls just a bit short of essential for hard bop fans. ~ Ken Dryden