One of Johnny Griffin's hard blowing LPs as a leader for Jazzland – recorded with a crack lineup that includes Blue Mitchell on trumpet, Julian Priester on trombone, Wynton Kelly on piano, Sam Jones on bass, and Albert Heath on drums! This is the kind of work that the term "hard bop" was coined for – sharp-edged jazz at its best – informed strongly by earlier bop and modern modes, but also played with a deeper dose of soul overall. The six players come together perfectly throughout – working with a tightness that matches most Blue Note work of the time – and titles are a great set of tracks that includes 3 by Chicago pianist Norman Simmons, and 1 by the great
Babs Gonzales. Tunes include "Olive Refractions", "The Message", "Lonely One", "Playmates", and "63rd Street Theme".
(Stereo small black label pressing with deep groove. Cover has a split top seam, split spine, half split bottom seam, spot of marker. The back cover has an ink stamp & spot of marker, some masking tape remnant, and light surface wear.)