by Ken Dryden
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.