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Arguably he was at his peak when recording for the Sue label over 40 years ago, and EMI/Stateside are releasing a ‘new’ seventeen track CD to celebrate.

The CD opens with an instrumental version of Ray Charles’ ‘I Got A Woman (Part 1)’, which was a US top 5 hit back in 1962. This was one of three singles released from the I’ve Got A Woman album. The other two are included here, ‘All About My Girl’ and ‘M.G. Blues’. I forgot how good these three tracks are. Just as much at home at a northern soul night or acid jazz revival. I defy anyone not to feel the beat on these; equal respect to the rest of the trio, Morris Dow (guitar) and Jackie Mills (drums).

Island Records reissued this album some years ago and it’s got the coolest of sixties soul covers. The sleeve notes tell us that McGriff was born on April 3, 1936 in Philadelphia and that he was a protégé of the equally great, but more consistently jazzy, (The Incredible) Jimmy Smith. The rest of the covers include versions of Monk’s, ‘Round Midnight’, Ellington’s ‘Satin Doll’ and Smith’s, ‘The Sermon’.

McGriff’s own jazz, blues, gospel and pop mix was a product of its time and other sizzlers on this compilation to watch out for are ‘Blues For Mr. Jimmy’, ‘Frame For The Blues’ and ‘All Day Long’

To be honest, anything by this master of the B-3 Hammond organ is worthwhile. Highly recommended, lets go Daddy-O, I’ve got a Woman!

Reviewed: Jimmy McGriff - The Best Of The Sue Years 1962-1965 (EMI) Cat. No. 3605492 Release Date: 23rd May 2006
Tracklisting
1. I’ve Got A Woman (Part 1) (2:36)
2. All About My Girl (3:58)
3. M.G. Blues (4:58)
4. Last Minute (4:18)
5. One Of Mine (4:39)
6. Spindletop (4:59)
7. Deacon (6:53)
8. Frame For The Blues (5:50)
9. Thing For Jug (5:39)
10. Kiko (3:28)
11. All Day Long (3:54)
12. Hello Betty (4:58)
13. Discotheque U.S.A. (3:25)
14. Blues For Mr. Jimmy (4:58)
15. Sho’ ‘Nuff (3:57)
16. Blues For Joe (3:03)
17. Cash Box (3:40)

Links:
www.jimmymcgriff.com
Townsend Records - Jimmy McGriff - The Best Of The Sue Years 1962-1965 Coming Soon (nice cover)