Jimmy McGriff – The Bird from the Capitol Records 45

With the summer all of about over, the majority of the hot weather over (I hope), I’m looking forward to the cooler digging weather and the changing of the seasons. Summer is great, but give me a cool Fall day anytime. Did you get your fix of flea market characters this weekend? I have a few I haven’t spoken about, one in particular, but that will have to wait for another post. I can’t introduce too many at one time. I mean I gave you Poochie, and when that unfurls I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Before I get started, I want to shout out some new bretheren from the ESC, who welcomed me aboard their tailgate/ section with open arms thisd past Saturday night. I’m looking forward to joining and supporting the closest live professional football to me here in NJ. Big ups to Binks ( the #1 fan of the year), and to Sean over at The Offside Rules for hepping me to such a good time, and breaking me of my prejudice against the MLS. I am disappointed that I missed the Budos show in BK on Friday night, but with any luck I will be able to possibly pull something like that off here in Asbury in the near future. Before I go on, I have a MAJOR, and I do mean MAJOR announcement. Last night was the first run of live broadcasts from the The World Famous Asbury Lanes, go here to check out their first broadcast. This is a huge deal, as up to now, I believe we will be the first Funk and Soul all 45 night to broadcast live and simulcast the sessions. If I’m wrong please correct me. The live broadcasting/ archiving of this event will give all of you around the globe a chance to hear what we do, if you can not be present. If you can be present, well, I’d suggest you do so, because it will be one good time. This next musician is one of my favorites, always serving up a big hot cup of Jazz Funk. I try to pick up anything I can by him, and I suggest you do the same. Now let’s get into Jimmy McGriff on Capitol Records with “The Bird”.

Philadelphia, PA native Jimmy McGriff is no stranger to Jazz music. Learning the piano at the age of five, he also played the upright bass as well as the alto sax. McGriff served a small stint in the Army during the Korean War as an MP before working as a police officer in the city of Brotherly Love. His love of music beckoned him though, and he jumped into being a full time musician. It didn’t hurt that he was mentored by organists Jimmy Smith and Richard “Groove” Holmes, both of whom are great influences as well as teachers and fellow musicians throughout his career. His music drew from artists such as Milt Buckner of Count Basie fame, and cited home town musicians Sonny Gatewood, Howard Whaley, and Austin Mitchell, as influences as well. His Jazz combo included Charles Earland, originally a sax player, who would go on to be influenced by McGriff and switch to the organ as well, going on to be a Jazz virtuoso in his own right. His trio recorded a version of Ray Charles’ “I’ve Got A Woman” in 1961 on Jel, which was eventully picked up by Juggy Murray’s Sue Records due to the radio airplay it received. In 1962 McGriff churned out another hit “All About My Girl”, which solidified him as a bonafide Jazz organist. His dabblings into Soul, Blues, and of course Funk would define his sound over the years. Throughout the 60’s McGriff recorded in the studio and performed live, while simultaeously opening up his Newark, NJ music venue called The Slipper Club. During this period, he recorded such classic records as “Electric Funk”, and my personal favorite: “Soul Sugar”. Up until his 1972 retirement from the music industry, he regularly performed with Buddy Rich, and recorded with Junior Parker. This retirement was short lived (McGriff opened a horse farm in Connecticut), and McGriff got back into the swing of things touring and recording with a fervor. He now linked up with Sonny Lester’s Groove Merchant (home to Jazz Funk guys like George Freeman), and released album after album. His fusion records gave way to Disco, and eventually he parted ways with Lester. Releasing three records, “Stump Juice”, “Red Beans”, and “Outside Looking In”, which some would say were the best of his career (I would disagree), his versatility and flexibility at music styles shined. He then moved on to Fantasy, where he would link up during the 80’s with guys like David “Fathead” Newman and the Wizard of Englewood Cliffs, NJ, recording genius Rudy Van Gelder. McGriff went on to still tour in the 90’s in clubs, and of all places, the cruise ship circuit. The man was unstoppable at his age.

“The Bird” is a Funk,/ Blues/ Jazz fusion slice of goodness. Besides McGriff at the organ, Richard Davis on electric bass helps lay down a foundation as solid as a rock. Drummer Marion Booker keeps the drum beats tight, while McGriff drifts in and out of his signature sound with great precision. This is a Funky one here kids, and if you’re familiar at all with what Jimmy McGriff has to offer (and even if you’re not), you won’t be disappointed. It’s not the Fly Dude at his pinnacle, but a side not to be slept on. Give this man his propers (if I can quote Aretha), even if you hate Philly. As a whole, McGriff, besides being a fashion icon (feel free to check out some of his polyester pimp style wear), a master of the organ, and all around slanger of Groove Grease, his catalogue has some really great sides. If you are a fan of the B3, or just exploring the sound, you can’t sleep on McGriff. To close, I’d like to shout out Larry over at Funky 16 and wish him a Happy early Birthday. Keep Diggin’!

PS: Here’s the flyer for the Sept. 14th Asbury Park 45 Sessions: