On the 1958 recording "Misterioso", jazz legend Thelonious Monk leads a star-studded quartet that features tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin, drummer Roy Haynes and bassist Ahmed Abdul-Malik. The upbeat masterwork with divine synergy is filled with gorgeous solos showcasing each musician’s technical assurance and musical genius. The centerpiece on the album is the title track, arguably one of Monk’s greatest compositions.

Among Thelonious Monk's brilliant musical associations, the one with tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin sometimes gets overlooked. This 1958 recording catches the quartet with bassist Ahmed Abdul-Malik and drummer Roy Haynes on its home turf, New York's Five Spot Cafe. Griffin's gruffly compressed sound and high-speed, coiling lines are a fine foil for Monk's spare and pointed comping, bringing a distinct and special intensity to Monk's music. Together the group turns in classic renditions of familiar Monk tunes, including a brilliant Griffin performance of "Blue Monk".

This live set is notable for teaming guitarist Wes Montgomery and the Wynton Kelly Trio (comprised of pianist Kelly, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Jimmy Cobb) with the fiery tenor of Johnny Griffin. As with the OJC release, six selections (highlighted by "Blue 'n' Boogie" and Montgomery's "S.O.S.") are augmented by "Born to Be Blue" and a pair of alternate takes.

"All Smiles" is an album by the Kenny Clarke/Francy Boland Big Band featuring performances recorded in Germany in 1968 and released on the MPS label. The album was also released in the US on Prestige Records as "Let's Face the Music".

One of the more obscure recordings in Johnny Griffin's discography, this studio session from some time during the 1980s features the tenor saxophonist with a solid rhythm section consisting of pianist Michael Weiss, bassist Dennis Irwin, and the in-demand drummer Kenny Washington.

The Jazz Messengers was a group of young musicians organized by Art Blakey to both inspire and mentor young jazz players, as well as to keep Blakey inspired and full of new ideas. The group went on to serve as a training ground for such luminaries as Hank Mobley and Wynton Marsalis. Hard Drive was recorded in 1957 and was originally released on the Bethlehem label.

Introducing Johnny Griffin is the debut album for Blue Note Records by jazz tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin. A seminal date that shows Griffin's speed, technique, and power.

A collection of the legendary saxophonist’s sideman sessions for Blue Note Records from 1956-1957, when Coltrane was a regular member of the Miles Davis Quintet and played with pianist Thelonious Monk. This set, conceived by former Blue Note Records president Bruce Lundvall, marks the first time Coltrane’s sideman sessions for the label have been collected in one place; albums include recordings led by Paul Chambers (Chambers’ Music, a.k.a. High Step, and Whims of Chambers), Johnny Griffin (A Blowing Session) and Sonny Clark (Sonny’s Crib).