Jimmy McGriff At The Apollo

 

A Thing For Jug

Jimmy McGriff At The Apollo

Produced and Directed by Juggy Murray

Sue Records 1017

1963

From the back cover: Come on along and sit in the famous Apollo Theatre in New York where Jimmy McGriff is giving one of his greatest performances on this long playing album. You will applaud along with the lucky audience that was there to watch him, when you hear his great rendition of that beautiful standard "There Will Never Be Another You", as he rides easily, and shares the solos tastefully, with his tenor and guitar. Listen to the applause! Know why this master of the organ is requested time and time again to appear at the great Apollo Theatre in New York, and night clubs and theaters all over the country.

Jimmy McGriff was born to the organ. Through it, he has risen from obscurity to stardom. This he achieved by mastering the organ in the amazing short period of only three years. Surely this man has soul... and it's brought out when he sits down at the keys. He proved this when he played his big hit of "I've Got A Woman" and "One Of Mine". These led to Sue Records producing two albums of the same names by Jimmy. Both the singles and the albums have become standard sellers in the record industry. Today, wherever and whenever Jimmy makes a personal appearance, it is always to an over-flowing audience.

Jimmy's talents are not merely limited to his playing ability. Having a sound knowledge in, and concept of jazz has helped him immeasurably in writing much of his material. "We Four" and "A Thing For Jug" represent his writing style on this LP.

The sidemen in this LP are:

Saxophonist - Rudolph Johnson. Rudy is fresh from fronting his own group in his home town – Columbus, Ohio. He's been playing the midwest and various spots in New York.

Rhythm Guitar - Larry Frazier. Chicago's gift to the Jimmy McGriff Quartet. Larry's been with Sonny State, Lou Donaldson and does the backing for one of the top pop groups, "The Crystals."

Drummer - Willie "Saint" Jenkins. Last, but not least is the "Saint" whose credits include gigs with Kenny Burrell, Wes Montgomery and Jackie Davis.

Put them all together and you have full-swinging, free wheeling sounds that keep the listeners toes tapping and fingers snapping. You'll see what we mean when you hear "We Four" and "A Thing For Jug."

"A Thing For Jug", written by Jimmy especially for Juggy Murray, prexy of Sue Records and one of the foremost exponents of jazz in today's musical world is something you just don't want to miss. It leads off with a solid guitar solo and ends up with Jimmy shouting a high-keyed response.

Then flip the record over and hear the ever popular "Red Sails In The Sunset", played in the inimitable McGriff manner. This is followed by "Lonely Avenue", a tune made famous by a vocal rendition by the great Ray Charles. "Fame For The Blues" is a crazy mixed up polygot of moody bluesy, choruses where Jimmy and the boys just let go and make every note count.

When you listen to "Jimmy McGriff At The Apollo", you are not just listening to another album of music. You are sharing a memorable evening with many others, fortunate enough to be able to see as well as hear and outstanding artist – an outstanding performer - Jimmy McGriff. – Les Fleischer, Music Vendor

There'll Never Be Another You

We Four

A Thing For Jug

Red Sails In The Sunset

Lonely Avenue

Frame For The Blues