What makes The Main Squeeze by Jimmy McGriff notable?

The Main Squeeze received critical acclaim for its innovative arrangements and musicianship, helping to solidify McGriff's reputation within the jazz community. The album is often cited as an important contribution to the genre of soul jazz, influencing subsequent artists and contributing to the broader movement of jazz that incorporated elements of popular music. Released in 1974, The Main Squeeze marked Jimmy McGriff's return to the studio after a string of successful albums in the 1960s. At this point in his career, he had established himself as a prominent figure in the soul jazz scene, building upon his earlier work that blended jazz with blues influences. This album showcases his evolving style and mastery on the Hammond organ.

Who is The Main Squeeze for?

The Main Squeeze works well if you're into steady grooves for relaxed evenings, rich instrumental interplay enjoyment and captivating flow for focused listening.

How many songs are on The Main Squeeze?

The Main Squeeze has 8 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

The Main Squeeze

Jimmy McGriff · 1974

38 min · 8 tracks · blues

A vibrant fusion of blues and hard bop, laced with soulful grooves and intricate jazz improvisations.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Worm Turns — This opening track sets the tone with its catchy melodies and rhythmic drive, showcasing McGriff's signature organ sound alongside tight ensemble playing.
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The Sermon — A standout composition that highlights the album's blend of bluesy undertones and hard bop influences, featuring dynamic solos from McGriff and his band.
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Misty — McGriff's interpretation adds a soulful depth to this classic standard, transforming it into a heartfelt exploration filled with rich harmonies and expressive phrasing.
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These Foolish Things Remind Me of You — This track reveals McGriff's ability to convey emotion through his playing, offering a poignant rendition that allows for improvisational exploration.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady grooves for relaxed evenings
rich instrumental interplay enjoyment
captivating flow for focused listening
emotional depth in gradual peaks

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification tracks
prefer short, standalone pieces

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1974, The Main Squeeze marked Jimmy McGriff's return to the studio after a string of successful albums in the 1960s. At this point in his career, he had established himself as a prominent figure in the soul jazz scene, building upon his earlier work that blended jazz with blues influences. This album showcases his evolving style and mastery on the Hammond organ.
Stylistic neighbors: Jimmy Smith· Charles Earland· Reuben Wilson

Tracklist

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

1 The Worm Turns 4:22
2 The Sermon 3:09
3 The Blues Train to Georgia 5:05
4 Misty 7:39
5 The Main Squeeze 3:47
6 GMI 4:52
7 These Foolish Things Remind Me of You 5:31
8 Stella by Starlight 4:29

What to play next

Listen next

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Go back to

Concert: Friday the 13th – Cook County Jail

1973

Full Jimmy McGriff discography Artists like Jimmy McGriff

blues hard bop soul jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata