JOHNNY GRIFFIN SEXTET - The Little Giant (1959-1995) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

A bit of an offbeat session for tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin, The Little Giant features three originals by then-obscure pianist Norman Simmons, a reworking of the pop tune "Playmates," Babs Gonzalez's "Lonely One," and the tenorist's "63rd Street Theme." Simmons' arrangements for the three horns (which include trumpeter Blue Mitchell and trombonist Julian Priester) are colorful; the rhythm section (pianist Wynton Kelly, bassist Sam Jones, and drummer Albert "Tootie" Heath) is state of the art for the period, and Griffin (who is featured in a trio with Jones and Heath on "Lonely One") is in fine form. An interesting set of obscure straight-ahead jazz. Scott Yanow
Tracklist  :
1 Olive Refractions 4:15
Written-By – Norman Simmons
2 The Message 7:20
Written-By – Norman Simmons
3 Lonely One 4:13
Written-By – Babs Gonsalez
4 63rd Street Theme 7:34
Written-By – Johnny Griffin
5 Playmates 4:18
Written-By – Saxie Dowell
6 Venus And The Moon 6:29
Written-By – Norman Simmons
Credits
Bass – Sam Jones
Drums – Albert Heath
Piano – Wynton Kelly (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 6)
Producer, Liner Notes – Orrin Keepnews
Tenor Saxophone – Johnny Griffin
Trombone – Julian Priester (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 6)
Trumpet – Blue Mitchell (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 6)