The Kerry Dancers cover

The Kerry Dancers

Johnny Griffin · 1962

39 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of traditional folk tunes and modern jazz sensibilities, weaving intricate melodies through playful improvisation.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Kerry Dancers — The title track serves as a dynamic opener, featuring spirited exchanges between Griffin's saxophone and the rhythm section that encapsulate the album’s thematic essence.
  • →
    Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair — This track highlights Griffin's lyrical playing style, transforming a traditional folk song into a poignant jazz ballad with emotional depth and subtle nuance.
  • →
    Green Grow the Rushes — Infused with a lively tempo and intricate improvisation, this piece illustrates Griffin's ability to adapt folk melodies into engaging jazz constructs while maintaining their original charm.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends jazz and folk in an engaging way, showcasing strong compositions and skilled performances.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a lively title track that features intricate saxophone melodies layered over rhythmic percussion.
  • Each track presents a distinct folk melody, often reinterpreted through improvisational solos that showcase the musicians' technical skills.
  • The final two tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the earlier energy.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • steady melodic explorations throughout
  • vibrant celebration of tradition
  • inviting rhythms for social gatherings
  • reflective moments of improvisation

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks
  • seek abrupt changes in dynamics

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1962, The Kerry Dancers was Johnny Griffin's follow-up to his acclaimed album A Blowin' Session. At this point, Griffin was solidifying his reputation as a leading tenor saxophonist within the post-bop movement, showcasing his ability to blend complex harmonies with rich cultural influences.
Stylistic neighbors
Sonny Rollins· Wayne Shorter· John Coltrane

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Kerry Dancers 4:44
  • 2 Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair 6:15
  • 3 Green Grow the Rushes 4:39
  • 4 The Londonderry Air 4:56
  • 5 25 1/2 Daze 4:43
  • 6 Oh, Now I See 5:12
  • 7 Hush-a-bye 4:56
  • 8 Ballad for Monsieur 3:35

What to play next

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata