Johnny Griffin’s album A Blowing Session is getting a reissue as part of Blue Note’s Classic Vinyl series. This edition is mono, all-analog, and mastered by Kevin Gray from the original tapes. It’s pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.
Originally called Johnny Griffin, Vol. 2, A Blowing Session was recorded in 1957 with fellow tenor saxophonists John Coltrane and Hank Mobley. This was Griffin’s second release on Blue Note. The album also features trumpeter Lee Morgan and a solid rhythm section with pianist Wynton Kelly, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Art Blakey.
A Blowing Session includes two original tracks: “Ball Bearing” and “Smoke Stack,” along with two standards: Jerome Kern’s “The Way You Look Tonight” and “All The Things You Are.”
1957 was a big year for Griffin. He released his solo debut, Introducing Johnny Griffin, and later recorded his third album, The Congregation, at Van Gelder studio in New Jersey. He had been playing with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and appeared on albums like Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers with Thelonious Monk. By the end of the year, Griffin was on his way to a successful solo career.
Standing at five foot five, Griffin earned the nickname “Little Giant” for his impressive talent. In 1959, he released the album Little Giant. By the early 1960s, he was living in Paris and recording with European musicians for labels like Storyville, Black Lion, and Steeplechase.
Check out the Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series now!
