Jimmy McGriff

United States

"McGriff's music pulses with an infectious groove, characterized by rolling basslines, strategic pauses, and a warm harmonium texture that encourages cathartic release."

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Begin with Jimmy McGriff…

The Dudes Doin' Business

1970

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Career Arc

Jimmy McGriff's discography from 1962 to 2002

1962 1982 2002

I've Got a Woman (1962) Christmas with McGriff (1963) One of Mine (1963) At the Apollo (1963) Topkapi (1964) At the Organ (1964) Blues for Mister Jimmy (1965) Turn Blue (1965) Where the Action's At! (1966) A Bag Full of Soul (1966) The Big Band (1966) Cherry (1966) A Bag Full of Blues (1967) I've Got a New Woman (1967) Honey (1968) The Worm (1968) A Thing to Come By (1969) Electric Funk (1970) The Dudes Doin' Business (1970) The Way You Look Tonight (1970)

Jimmy McGriff's significance lies in his ability to bridge the gap between hard bop and the blues, enriching the jazz landscape with a distinctive, soulful warmth.

Jimmy McGriff's significance lies in his ability to bridge the gap between hard bop and the blues, enriching the jazz landscape with a distinctive, soulful warmth. His contributions to the genre shaped not only how organ music is perceived but also how it interacts with the broader rhythms of American music, influencing a generation of keyboardists and lending depth to the soul-jazz movement. McGriff's approach was both improvisational and deeply rooted in the collective groove. He often played with a swinging yet deliberate touch, channeling emotion through spontaneous melodies that felt both celebratory and reflective. This duality drew listeners into a communal experience where the music seemed not just performed but lived. Much of McGriff's songwriting revolves around themes of longing, resilience, and joy—all crafted through rhythmic motifs and lush harmonies. His writing showcases a balance of sincerity and subtle irony, often using simple yet evocative narratives to connect with audiences on an emotional level. The tone is conversational but packed with depth, ensuring every note carries weight.

Full discography

Jimmy McGriff's albums in order, from earliest releases to latest.

47 releases • 46 albums • 1962–2002

Type:

Albums ()

McGriff Avenue

2002

Feelin' It

2001

McGriff's House Party

2000

Straight Up

1998

The Dream Team

1997

You Ought to Think About Me

1990

Blue to the 'Bone

1988

The Starting Five

1987

State of the Art

1985

Skywalk

1984

Countdown

1983

Movin' Upside the Blues

1982

The Groover

1982

City Lights

1981

Tailgunner

1977

The Mean Machine (album)

1976

Red Beans (album)

1976

Stump Juice

1975

The Main Squeeze

1974

Giants of the Organ in Concert – The Complete Concert Recorded Live at Paul's Mall, Boston, 1973

1973

Let's Stay Together (Jimmy McGriff album)

1972

Fly Dude

1972

Groove Grease

1971

Black Pearl

1971

Electric Funk

1970

Concert: Friday the 13th – Cook County Jail

1973

The Dudes Doin' Business

1970

The Way You Look Tonight

1970

Something to Listen To

1970

Soul Sugar

1970

A Thing to Come By

1969

Honey

1968

The Worm

1968

A Bag Full of Blues

1967

I've Got a New Woman

1967

Where the Action's At!

1966

A Bag Full of Soul

1966

The Big Band

1966

Cherry

1966

Blues for Mister Jimmy

1965

Topkapi

1964

At the Organ

1964

Christmas with McGriff

1963

One of Mine

1963

At the Apollo

1963

I've Got a Woman

1962

Singles ()

Turn Blue

1965

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Timeline

How their sound evolved over time

I've Got a Woman (1962)

One of Mine (1963)

At the Apollo (1963)

Christmas with McGri... (1963)

Topkapi (1964)

At the Organ (1964)

Blues for Mister Jim... (1965)

Where the Action's A... (1966)

A Bag Full of Soul (1966)

The Big Band (1966)

Cherry (1966)

A Bag Full of Blues (1967)

I've Got a New Woman (1967)

Honey (1968)

The Worm (1968)

A Thing to Come By (1969)

The Dudes Doin' Busi... (1970)

Electric Funk (1970)

The Way You Look Ton... (1970)

Something to Listen... (1970)

Soul Sugar (1970)

Groove Grease (1971)

Black Pearl (1971)

Let's Stay Together (Jimmy McGriff album)

Let's Stay Together... (1972)

Fly Dude (1972)

Giants of the Organ in Concert – The Complete Concert Recorded Live at Paul's Mall, Boston, 1973

Giants of the Organ... (1973)

Concert: Friday the 13th – Cook County Jail

Concert: Friday the... (1973)

The Main Squeeze (1974)

Stump Juice (1975)

The Mean Machine (al... (1976)

Red Beans (album) (1976)

Tailgunner (1977)

City Lights (1981)

Movin' Upside the Bl... (1982)

The Groover (1982)

Countdown (1983)

Skywalk (1984)

State of the Art (1985)

The Starting Five (1987)

Blue to the 'Bone (1988)

You Ought to Think A... (1990)

The Dream Team (1997)

Straight Up (1998)

McGriff's House Part... (2000)

Feelin' It (2001)

McGriff Avenue (2002)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Jimmy McGriff sound like?

McGriff's music pulses with an infectious groove, characterized by rolling basslines, strategic pauses, and a warm harmonium texture that encourages cathartic release. Rooted in blues and hard bop. Start with A Bag Full of Soul.

What is the best Jimmy McGriff album to start with?

The best album to start with is "A Bag Full of Soul" (1966). It's the most representative of what makes Jimmy McGriff worth hearing.

Who is Jimmy McGriff for?

If you're into blues and hard bop, Jimmy McGriff is worth your time. McGriff's music pulses with an infectious groove, characterized by rolling basslines, strategic pauses, and a warm harmonium texture that encourages cathartic release.

How many albums does Jimmy McGriff have?

Jimmy McGriff has 47 releases in their discography, including 46 albums.

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