The legendary tenor saxophonist, Johnny Griffin’s electrifying performance in Valencia, Spain in 1992 is immortalized on this release, Live in Valencia 92
Accompanied by an all-star trio with French pianist Hervé Sellin, bassist Reggie Johnson and Doug Sides on drums, this recording, consisting of 6 tracks, is a chance to hear Johnny Griffin at his best, enjoying being out there live with an enthusiastic Spanish audience.
The recording made in a defunct savings bank auditorium adorned with warm fabrics and wood accents, sounds great with its cozy ambiance and impeccable acoustics. From the moment Griffin stepped onto the stage, his charisma was palpable, captivating audiences with his inimitable style, sense of humor and swing. Griff at his best!
Live in Valencia 92 offers a glimpse into Griffin’s artistry, showcasing a mastery of the tenor saxophone across a repertoire of standards by his favorite composers like Duke Ellington and Thelonious Monk, but we also get The Cat, one of his own compositions and almost considered a theme song for Johnny Griffin.
Johnny Griffin loved the European way of living and the Europeans loved him back. He settled in France, but spent time in Amsterdam and Copenhagen as well. As Hervé Sellin writes about playing jazz “we don’t take it too seriously, but we do it very seriously”. That was what Johnny Griffin was known for, A little giant making everybody have a good time. And that’s exactly what you experience on this recording.
Johnny Griffin (1928-2008) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist known for his blistering speed and technical prowess. A prolific performer and recording artist, Griffin’s career spanned over six decades, during which he collaborated with some of the most prominent figures in jazz, including Art Blakey, Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane.
This recording serves as a poignant reminder of Griffin’s enduring impact on the jazz world. For jazz enthusiasts, Live in Valencia 92, is a must have addition to any collection, offering a glimpse into the brilliance of one of jazz music’s true icons
Johnny Griffin – tenor saxophone
Hervé Sellin – piano
Reggie Johnson – bass
Doug Sides – drums
- Just Friends
- A Monk’s Dream
- Sophisticated Lady
- The Cat
- Rhythm-A-Ning
- Medley: Blue Monk / Things Ain’t What They Used to Be
“This resurrection is by no means a scraping of the bottom of the barrel; rather, it testifies to the vitality and quality of music that hasn’t aged a bit.” – *** – Aboucaya, Jazz Magazine
“Griffin er på disse optagelser 63 år og tydeligvis i fin form. Han spiller helt i den kendte amerikanske postbop mainstream-tradition med en rytmegruppe, hvor især den franske pianist og Griffins landsmand på trommer giver ham kam til håret.” – **** – Meyer, All That
“…et tour de force i Griffins energiske og kreative tenorsaksofonspill.” – Granlie, Salt Peanuts
“Her skjer det ikke noe revolusjonerende – det er kun en bekreftelse på hvor unik og hvor bra Johnny Griffin var. Det holder lenge det!” – ***** – Hammerø, Nettavisen
“…a collection of tunes that also reflect another era.” – Harris, Jazz Weekly
“Den är inget mindre än et “måste” för alla med minsta intresse för fullständigt tidlös bebop-jazz.” – Olsson, Skånska Dagbladet
“Thank the good Lord for labels like Storyville to remind us of a day when giants roamed the earth.” – Harris, JazzWeekly
“… Live in Valencia 92 is an album that will make bebop enthusiasts as well as those who are new to listening to jazz happy with its attractive repertoire of classics, excellent sound presentation, effortlessly flowing performances at any tempo and beautiful solos.” – Yalcin, Dark Blue Notes
“the live balance is excellent… (…) …making for a rewarding 71 minutes.” – **** – Priestley, Jazzwise
“… this disc reminds those of us lucky enough to catch the man in his prime what a force of nature he was.” –Gamble, JazzJournal
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