Johnny Griffin – The Congregation -is a 1958 hard bop jazz album by tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin, released on Blue Note Records. It’s considered one of his finest recordings and showcases his virtuosity, fast phrasing, and soulful tone. The album features an all-star lineup, including Sonny Clark on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and Kenny Dennis on drums. Why It’s Special: The album cover, designed by Reid Miles, features a painting of Johnny Griffin in a church-like setting, making it one of the most recognizable Blue Note covers. Griffin’s playing is fiery, energetic, and highly technical, showcasing why he was known as "The Little Giant" despite his short stature. Sonny Clark’s piano work complements Griffin’s saxophone beautifully, adding depth and groove to the record. The rhythm section of Paul Chambers and Kenny Dennis keeps the music swinging while allowing Griffin to stretch out with his fast runs and melodic phrasing. This is a must-listen for hard bop fans, and it captures Griffin at the height of his powers. The LP is something very special, as it comes from the estate (see stamp page 1) of Donald Byrd: Donald Byrd and Johnny Griffin were two incredible jazz musicians who played in the hard bop style and were both associated with Blue Note Records. While they didn't release a major album as co-leaders, they collaborated on several recordings in the late 1950s. The Gathering’ (1957) - Johnny Griffin Although Byrd doesn't play on this album, he was active in the same Blue Note hard bop scene, and the style is similar to their collaboration. The early recordings of Donald Byrd Byrd often played alongside Griffin in the mid to late 1950s before turning to soul jazz and fusion in the 1960s. These albums show both musicians in their hard bop heyday, combining fiery solos, technical brilliance and soulful phrasing. Tracklist: A1 The Congregation A2 Latin Quarter B1 I'm Glad There Is You B2 Main Spring B3 It's You Or No One Illustration [Cover] – Andy Warhol Bass – Paul Chambers Tenor Saxophone – Johnny Griffin Condition: LP / VG+ (only fine, flat, thread scratches from the years without effect) for the age great Cover / VG+ (voderseite sehr schön , rückseite leichte wasserflecken , siehe bilder ) Please understand that there are individual differences in perception ★★★Another "Diamond" In Jazz BLACKGOLD-MEMORABILIA For Collectors ★★★ ★★★ For every rare single & LP I add a new inner sleeve with acid-free plastic so that you can enjoy the singles & LPs for a long time ★★★ You will receive all of your valuable auctions in a special LP box so that nothing can happen to your LP during transport (see pictures) ★★★ Each LP/Single is washed again with a special record washing machine (see picture) before it is sent (this machine is of course not included in the scope of delivery) ★★★ Please note the shipping costs (Portugal Only UPS-Express) ★★★ Every week we have many interesting Collector LPs/CD´s...Memorabilia’s ...on offer, just go to the following button and you will see all our offers An offer exclusive from the seller : BLACKGOLD-MEMORABILIA Thank´s for your interest. Check out our other rare items in current and future Auctions at Catawiki ★★★ The B/W picture of Johnny Griffin & Donald Byrd is not included in the scope of delivery and are only used for documentation.