Canada is a place where chops can grow – sometimes to epic proportions. A case in point is Toronto saxophonist Johnny Griffith, whose CD Dance With The Lady reveals an exciting musical imagination with skills to spare.
While his chops are remarkable, Griffith plays first from his heart, not his head. The result is – rarity of rarities – an album of original compositions that swings from start to finish.
The disc features New York trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, and Griffith’s admirable Toronto band of Adrean Farrugia on piano, Jon Maharaj on bass and Ethan Ardelli on drums. It was recorded live over two days in Toronto this August.
The pairing of Griffith and Pelt immediately makes sense to the ear, as they are well matched in their versatility and the confidence they project.
These affinities are apparent from the album’s first track, “The Zissou Experiment.” Griffith moves with ease through the lexicon of contemporary saxophone styles. But like Pelt, he never sacrifices melody or phrasing.
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