Recorded on October 17, 1978
Dexter Gordon's return to the United States made the bigger splash, but Johnny Griffin's return was every bit as exciting.
In fact, Griffin's live record from the Village Vanguard, The Return of the Griffin, is more compelling than Dexter's Homecoming.
More Johnny Griffin
- Blues for Harvey (SteepleChase, 1973)
- Live in Tokyo (Philips Japan/Inner City, 1976)
- Bush Dance (Galaxy, 1979)
- The JAMFs Are Coming (Timeless, 1979)
Johnny Griffin's 1970s Galaxy records are among the best across many decades of jazz. His playing moved away from the "Little Giant" speedway approach and the "tenor battles" with the like of Lockjaw Davis to become full expressions of a unique (yet in many ways conventional) artistic expression. The compositions and solos on "Return" are extraordinary. Also, the group behind him are modern masters, especially the wonderful Ray Drummond. Hard to choose a favorite Griffin 1970s LP, but Return and Bush Dance are way up there. Mastery on display!
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