Tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin: ~The Little Giant~

Tonight`s Jazz Feature honors the Birthday Anniversary of John Arnold ``Johnny`` Griffin 111 who was born on April 24,1928 in Chicago and died from a heart attack at his home on Mauprevoir, France on July 28,2008. He played his last gig on July 21, 2008 at age 80, so he was playing right up to the end. This album was considered one of his finest under his name at the time and was recorded in New York in August 1959. Rather than a quartet date or a jam type date this one was well planned. Norman Simmons, a wonderful pianist/composer arranger also from Chicago scored the date and brought in 3 of his tunes as well. It was a sextet date with Richard ``Blue`` Mitchell on trumpet, Julian Priester on trombone, Wynton Kelly on piano, Sam jones on bass and Albert ``Tootie`` Heath on drums.``The Little Gian`` stands the test of time and is tonight`s Jazz Feature. Happy Birthday Anniversary Johnny!