CD: Jack McDuff – The Honeydripper (1961)
01. Whap! (McDuff) [0:04:28.63]
02. I Want A Little Girl [0:06:49.72]
03. The Honeydripper (Liggins) [0:08:19.05]
04. Dink’s Blues (McDuff) [0:08:03.00]
05. Mr. Lucky (Mancini) [0:05:07.70]
06. Blues and Tonic (McDuff) [0:05:03.03]
The date featured the big tenor Jimmy Forrest, drummer Ben Dixon, and Grant Green on guitar in his recording debut. Green not only held his own with McDuff on the title track, “Dink’s Blues,” and “Blues and Tonic,” but he plays gorgeous fills and chord voicings in Henry Mancini’s “I Want a Little Girl.” Green was always more than a sideman as this date attests, and though he was part of the rhythm section, his playing is a standout on this date. McDuff was already in full possession of his voice as an organist, and his hard bop leanings began to subside here as he embraced a more soulful approach, no doubt informed by the effect Jimmy Smith was having on jazz with his crossover. This is an excellent date and should be picked up by anyone interested in McDuff as a great place to start, or for any serious collector
Jack McDuff. organ
Jimmy Forest. tenor saxophone
Grant Green. guitar
Ben Dixon. drums
Rec: Rudy Van Gelder Studio, February 3, 1961 by Rudy Van Gelder and remastered by Phil De Lancie, 1995 [AAD]