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A one-hour, music rich appreciation of the legendary Chicago-born jazz saxophonist. Griffin died at the age of 80 on July 25, 2008. Read the full description.
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Piece Description
Of all the "tough tenor" saxophonists to come from Chicago, the late Johnny Griffin may have been the toughest. Best known for his bluesy sound and lightning speed, Griffin's sensitivity, imagination and soul brought beauty into the music too. Johnny Griffin's career in jazz spanned more than 60 years. He died at the age of 80 on July 25, 2008. "The Little Giant" is an hour-long music special that pays tribute to the saxophonist with a engaging blend of commentary and music. The program includes the voices of Griffin's longtime pianist Michael Weiss and biographer Mike Hennessey, as well as music from throughout Griffin's extensive career. Hosted by Chicago Public Radio's Dan Bindert.
Broadcast History
Originally broadcast on WBEZ-FM on August 10, 2008.
Timing and Cues
59:00
No breaks
Outcue: "...from Chicago Public Radio." (followed by 1 minute of music)
Musical Works
| Title | Artist | Album | Label | Year | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Message | Johnny Griffin | The Little Giant. | Riverside-OJC | 1959 | 02:30 |
| Interview (excerpt) | Johnny Griffin | Live in London. | Harkit | 1963 | 00:15 |
| Mil Dew | Johnny Griffin | Introducing Johnny Griffin. | Blue Note-EMI | 1956 | 03:57 |
| 63rd Street Theme | Johnny Griffin | The Cat. | Antilles | 1990 | 01:30 |
| Tickle Toe | Johnny Griffin and Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis | Tough Tenors. | Jazzland-OJC | 1960 | 05:20 |
| Gay Notes | Lionel Hampton | Midnight Sun. | Decca-GRP | 1946 | 01:30 |
| Mad Moon | Joe Morris | 1946-1949. | Classics | 1947 | 02:10 |
| These Foolish Things | Johnny Griffin | J.G.. | Argo-Chess | 1956 | 03:36 |
| I Could Have Danced All Night | Art Blakey | Plays Lerner and Loewe. | RCA-Collectables | 1957 | 04:20 |
| Light Blue | Thelonious Monk Quartet | In Action. | Riverside | 1958 | 05:11 |
| Soft and Furry | Johnny Griffin | Change of Pace. | Riverside-OJC | 1961 | 01:48 |
| On A Misty Night | Tadd Dameron | The Magic Touch. | Riverside-OJC | 1962 | 02:59 |
| Twist City | Johnny Griffin | Twist City. | Atlantic | 1963 | 01:58 |
| Interview (excerpt) | Ben Sidran (w/Johnny Griffin) | Talkin Jazz, vol 2. | Unlimited Media | 2005 | 00:28 |
| Griff's Groove | Kenny Clarke-Francy Boland Big Band | Sax No End. | Universal | 1967 | 05:02 |
| When We Were One | Johnny Griffin | Return of the Griffin. | Galaxy-OJC | 1978 | 07:42 |
| Cherokee | Johnny Griffin | Introducing. | Blue Note-EMI | 1956 | 01:28 |
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David Srebnik
Posted on September 03, 2008 at 04:39 AM | Permalink
Review of The Little Giant: A Tribute to Johnny Griffin
A portrait of musician Johnny Griffin was long overdue, and this one gets it right. Chicago-based producer Dan Bindert does a good job telling this Chicago-associated tenor sax player's musical story.
There's plenty of excellent music and musical variety for your listeners to hear and let soak in. "The Little Giant" multitasks as a highly appealing musical production and as a concise presenter of historical information and context that astutely illustrates Johnny Griffin's place in music history.
For our side of the microphone, hear what host Dan Bindert does and doesn't do. He gives important session and event dates but does not fall into the traditional recording date laundry list, that jazz break black hole that deflates the music heard just prior to the break.
Timely right now as Mr. Griffin died July 25th. Suitable for fans and first timers, and programmable on your station every night of the week and all weekend long.