Johnny Griffin - The Blue Note And Jazzland Collection (2019)

Among the premier tenor sax-men of his generation, Johnny Griffin rose to prominence when he joined Lionel Hampton’s band a few days after finishing high school. By 1944 he had broken ranks with Hampton and formed a sextet with former Hampton colleague Joe Morris and local musicians. By 1951 Griffin was playing baritone saxophone in an R&B septet led by another former bandmate, Arnett Cobb.

This 4CD Box Set features all the releases - both as leader and co-leader – which Johnny Griffin recorded for Blue Note and, later, the Jazzland label; a body of work quite staggering in its quality and breadth and one that has rarely been equalled. Containing eight original albums, all re-mastered to provide the best possible quality, and featuring over five hours of quite superb music in all, this release works equally as a fine starting point for those new to this extraordinary musicians work and a sterling reminder of just how great such work remains for those already well versed.