Blues Up And Down – 1988

Joe Henderson, Johnny Griffin and George Adams

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“Blues Up And Down,” an uptempo blues, was originally used as a tenor battle by Sonny Stitt and Gene Ammons. It has infrequently been utilized through the years for various saxophone summits.

In 1988, three major tenor-saxophonists met up at the Fuji Jazz Festival to perform a blazing version of “Blues Up And Down.”

George Adams begins the piece by taking it a bit outside during his frequently ferocious solo.

Johnny Griffin returns the piece to bebop with a rapid flow of passionate ideas and then Joe Henderson tears into the piece with his distinctive tone.

While accompanied by pianist Horace Parlan, bassist Peter Washington, and drummer Kenny Washington, the three tenors trade off with plenty of fireworks taking place, driving the piece to its climax.

-Scott Yanow

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