Take My Hand

by Johnny Griffin

Overview

One of the more obscure recordings in Johnny Griffin's discography, this studio session from some time during the 1980s features the tenor saxophonist with a solid rhythm section consisting of pianist Michael Weiss, bassist Dennis Irwin, and the in-demand drummer Kenny Washington. At times, one gets the idea that Griffin has slowed down his playing style a bit, though blistering originals like "Take My Hand" quickly shake that notion. The lush, extended treatment of Billy Strayhorn's "Isfahan" (oddly credited to Griffin on the back insert) contrasts with the percolating take of Thelonious Monk's quirky and infrequently performed "Coming on the Hudson." Griffin's bluesy "Woe Is Me" is the perfect number for late, lonely nights, suggesting the last remaining patron in a bar about to close. Another bizarre packaging mistake switches the titles to "If I Should Lose You" and "Out of This World," the former a spirited hard bop arrangement, the latter ending the CD with a light Latin flavor. ~ Ken Dryden

Product Details

Release Date:	09/21/2021
Label:	Good Time Records
UPC:	0730167321402
Rank:	161564

Tracks

1. Isfahan
2. Take My Hand
3. All Through the Night
4. Coming on the Hudson
5. Woe Is Me
6. Hush-a-Bye
7. Out of This World
8. If I Should Lose You
9. [Untitled]
10. [Untitled]

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Johnny Griffin   Primary Artist,Saxophone
Kenny Washington   Guest Artist,Drums
Dennis Irwin   Bass
Michael Weiss   Piano

Technical Credits

Miriam Griffin   Photography,Cover Photo
Traditional   Composer
Harold Arlen   Composer
Cole Porter   Composer
Duke Ellington   Composer
Johnny Griffin   Composer
Jay Leonhart   Composer
John Whited   Producer
Johnny Mercer   Composer
Billy Strayhorn   Composer
Ralph Rainger   Composer
Thelonious Monk   Composer
John St. John   Engineer
Leo Robin   Composer
Robert W. Schachner   Executive Producer
Peter Keepnews   Liner Notes
George Hardy   Art Direction