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. At times, one gets the idea that
Griffin has slowed down his playing style a bit, though blistering originals like "Take My Hand" quickly shake that notion. The lush, extended treatment of
Billy Strayhorn's "Isfahan" (oddly credited to
Griffin on the back insert) contrasts with the percolating take of
Thelonious Monk's quirky and infrequently performed "Coming on the Hudson."
Griffin's bluesy "Woe Is Me" is the perfect number for late, lonely nights, suggesting the last remaining patron in a bar about to close. Another bizarre packaging mistake switches the titles to "If I Should Lose You" and "Out of This World," the former a spirited hard bop arrangement, the latter ending the CD with a light Latin flavor.