Johnny Griffin
Tenor Sax Solo on
Nutty

About

Johnny Griffin's tenor saxophone solo is the first of two improvisations on this live recording from the Five Spot Cafe. Taking two choruses of the 32-bar AABA form in B-flat at 146 BPM, Griffin brings the speed and intensity that earned him his reputation as one of the most exciting tenor saxophonists of the era. His rapid-fire lines navigate Monk's whimsical composition with characteristic fire, the angular melodic contours of the tune providing a framework that suits Griffin's aggressive approach.

Johnny Griffin was 29 to 30 years old at the time.