Johnny Griffin (tenor sax), Wes Montgomery (electric guitar), Wynton Kelly (piano), Paul Chambers (double bass) and Jimmy Cobb (drums). From the album Full House (1962).
Jimmy Cobb is an excellent American jazz drummer who is mainly self-taught, a dominant accompanist and an exceptional soloist. He approaches the drums in a melodic and percussive way, never playing solos that are too long or incoherent. In 1950 he recorded his first album with alto saxophonist Earl Bostic and his rhythm and blues band. He worked with Dinah Washington for three years and then with Cannonball Adderley, Clark Terry, Dizzy Gillespie and Stan Getz.
In 1958 he replaced Philly Joe Jones in the Miles Davis’s group, participating in the album Kind of Blue among others. In 1963, he and Paul Chamber left Davis and formed a trio with Wynton Kelly that recorded with Kenny Burrell, Wes Montgomery and J.J. Johnson. He played on the soundtrack of the movie Seven Days In May and then with David Amram. During the 1970s he worked nine years with Sarah Vaughan, as well as playing with Sonny Stitt, Richie Cole, Ricky Ford and Nat Adderley. In the 1980s he joined Joe Albany’s trio and in the late 1990s he began recording his own albums as a leader.
Montgomery exposes the theme at medium-fast tempo and Griffin begins his solo jovially and carefree, but playing explosive phrases from time to time. Then Montgomery enters with a speech full of energy and vitality, and continues with his solo using octaves with the same intensity. Next comes Kelly with a calmer spirit, enjoying the notes that emanate from his piano. To conclude, the group reexposes the theme.
© Riverside Records/OJC
