The Big Soul-Band
Johnny Griffin · 1960
43 min · 9 tracks · jazz
A vibrant fusion of soulful melodies and intricate rhythms, showcasing the exuberance of post-bop jazz.
Top tracks — play these first
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Wade in the Water — This track showcases Griffin's powerful saxophone lines intertwined with a rich arrangement that emphasizes call-and-response patterns, drawing from African American spiritual traditions.
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Panic Room Blues — With its driving rhythm and emotive solos, this track exemplifies Griffin's ability to convey deep feeling through complex improvisation while maintaining a catchy groove.
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Meditation — This extended piece highlights Griffin's lyrical style, balancing introspection with vivid melodic flourishes that captivate listeners and showcase his technical prowess.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album blends traditional spirituals with modern jazz, showcasing strong improvisation and cohesive themes.
What we noticed
- The album opens with two versions of 'Wade in the Water', creating a thematic anchor before moving into varied tempos and styles.
- The final three tracks slow down significantly, allowing for a reflective conclusion that contrasts with the earlier energy.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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
- dynamic emotional journeys
- gradual builds and payoffs
- long, immersive listening sessions
- atmospheric background focus
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1960, The Big Soul-Band was Johnny Griffin's second album, following his debut with Introducing Johnny Griffin. At this point in his career, Griffin was establishing himself as a prominent tenor saxophonist within the post-bop movement, gaining recognition for his virtuosic playing and unique interpretations.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sonny Rollins· Wayne Shorter· John Coltrane
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Wade in the Water (alternate take) 3:51
- 2 Wade in the Water 3:47
- 3 Panic Room Blues 4:37
- 4 Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen 2:44
- 5 Meditation 8:22
- 6 Holla 3:39
- 7 So Tired 6:38
- 8 Deep River 5:29
- 9 Jubilation 3:56
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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