Griffin’s Groove

Kenny Clarke/Francy Boland Orchestra

A shouting blues with Johnny Griffin and Benny Bailey

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During 1961-72, pianist-arranger Francy Boland and veteran drummer Kenny Clarke co-led one of the finest of all big bands.

The orchestra, which featured two drummers (Kenny Clarke and Kenny Clare, was quite an all-star group, consisting of many of the top players from both Europe and the United States.

On this medium-tempo blues, the very impressive lineup is expertly introduced with titles as the band plays its opening ensembles; most of the musicians are household names, at least in jazz households.

The camerawork is inventive and adds to the momentum of the performance, which features expressive solos from tenor-saxophonist Johnny Griffin (who gets two spots) and trumpeter Benny Bailey.

-Scott Yanow

 

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