The Little Giant at 90–Celebrating Johnny Griffin with the Michael Weiss Quartet at Dizzy's Club

With music director and pianist Michael Weiss and drummer Kenny Washington.
Tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin (1928–2008) came of age in the hard bop era in the 1950s and early-‘60s, working extensively with Thelonious Monk and Art Blakey and appearing on countless classic recordings. Griffin, who was short in physical stature but earned the nickname “the Little Giant” for his superhuman musical gifts, was celebrated not only for his technical virtuosity, but also for being one of the great personalities and individualists in jazz. Griffin was one of the soloists best able to communicate his personality through his instrument, which, in his case, was an exuberant expression of wit, humor, and aplomb...

read more

With music director and pianist Michael Weiss and drummer Kenny Washington.
Tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin (1928–2008) came of age in the hard bop era in the 1950s and early-‘60s, working extensively with Thelonious Monk and Art Blakey and appearing on countless classic recordings. Griffin, who was short in physical stature but earned the nickname “the Little Giant” for his superhuman musical gifts, was celebrated not only for his technical virtuosity, but also for being one of the great personalities and individualists in jazz. Griffin was one of the soloists best able to communicate his personality through his instrument, which, in his case, was an exuberant expression of wit, humor, and aplomb. The Little Giant at 90—Celebrating Johnny Griffin will honor this milestone year by bringing together an all-star group of Griffin’s closest musical partners. A carefully selected program of classic Griffin compositions has been arranged exclusively for this project, to be played with authenticity and sincerity by these seasoned musicians. Michael Weiss, the show’s bandleader, pianist, composer, and arranger, was a key member of Griffin’s quartet from 1987 until his final U.S. appearance in 2005. Weiss contributed to four of Griffin’s recordings as pianist, arranger, and composer during this time and joined him annually on national and international tours. Griffin’s music and indelible spirit live on at Dizzy’s Club tonight.

show less