Broadcast on 28-Feb-2011

This album recorded in August of 1959 marked a turning point in the recording career of one of the greatest Modern Jazz tenor saxophonists: Johnny Griffin. Up to this time Griffin's recordings had been casual quartet or "blowing dates" with loosely put together arrangements. This date is different and was also greeted warmly by the critics. What makes this date special is the arrangements and the three compositions by Norman Simmons, a Chicago homeboy of Griffin's. The three horn front line works wonderfully with Blue Mitchell on trumpet, Julian Priester on trombone (another one of Griffin's homeboys) and a strong rhythm section comprising Wynton Kelly on piano, Sam Jones on bass and Albert "Tootie" Heath on drums. Griffin is at his fiery best on this date and plays fewer notes than usual and all his solos "tell a story", as Lester Young would say. The Little Giant is an excellent date and was a real step-up for one of the major voices of the tenor saxophone....Johnny Griffin!