What makes Johnny Griffin Sextet by Johnny Griffin notable?

The album is significant for its demonstration of Griffin's innovative approach to post-bop jazz, influencing subsequent saxophonists and earning critical acclaim. It showcases compositions that blend complex harmonies with spontaneous improvisation, contributing to the evolving landscape of jazz during the late 1950s. Released in 1958, this album marked Johnny Griffin's emergence as a prominent figure in the jazz scene, following his success with the Max Roach Quintet. It showcased his unique sound and virtuosic skill, solidifying his reputation after moving from Chicago to New York City to pursue a more dynamic career.

Who is Johnny Griffin Sextet for?

Johnny Griffin Sextet works well if you're into steady mid-tempo improvisational flow, intricate melodies for attentive listening and for afternoon gatherings.

How many songs are on Johnny Griffin Sextet?

Johnny Griffin Sextet has 5 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Johnny Griffin Sextet

Johnny Griffin · 1958

41 min · 5 tracks · jazz

A vibrant interplay of soaring saxophones and intricate rhythms captures the essence of post-bop jazz innovation.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Stix' Trix — This track features an energetic exchange between Griffin’s saxophone and the rhythm section, highlighting his technical prowess and playful style.
→
What's New — Griffin's interpretation of this standard brings a fresh perspective, using intricate phrasing that elevates the familiar melody into an exploratory space.
→
Johnny G.G. — This composition exemplifies Griffin's ability to balance lyrical moments with intense improvisational sections, showcasing both his emotional depth and technical skill.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

The album demonstrates strong compositional elements and virtuosic performances typical of post-bop jazz.

What we noticed

The album features intricate call-and-response sections between the saxophone and rhythm section, creating a dynamic interplay.
Each track showcases extended improvisation, with solos that often exceed two minutes, highlighting the musicians' virtuosity.
The use of complex chord progressions is prevalent, particularly in 'Johnny G.G.', which shifts tonal centers throughout its duration.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo improvisational flow
intricate melodies for attentive listening
for afternoon gatherings
spirited energy with friends

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced instant gratification
seek short standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1958, this album marked Johnny Griffin's emergence as a prominent figure in the jazz scene, following his success with the Max Roach Quintet. It showcased his unique sound and virtuosic skill, solidifying his reputation after moving from Chicago to New York City to pursue a more dynamic career.
Stylistic neighbors: Sonny Rollins· Wayne Shorter· John Coltrane

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Stix' Trix 7:43
2 What's New 7:51
3 Woody'n You 6:11
4 Johnny G.G. 9:45
5 Catharsis 9:56

What to play next

Listen next

The Congregation

1958

Go back to

Way Out!

1958

Full Johnny Griffin discography Artists like Johnny Griffin

post-bop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata