BST 84342

Grant Green - Green Is Beautiful

Released - July 1970

Recording and Session Information

Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, January 30, 1970
Blue Mitchell, trumpet; Claude Bartee, tenor sax; Emmanuel Riggins, organ #1,3-5; Neal Creque, organ #2; Grant Green, guitar; Jimmy Lewis, electric bass; Idris Muhammad, drums; Candido, congas; Richie "Pablo" Landrum, bongos.

5886 Ain't It Funky Now
5887 Windjammer
5888 A Day In The Life
5889 Dracula
5890 I'll Never Fall In Love Again

Track Listing

Side One
Title	Author	Recording Date
Ain't It Funky Now	James Brown	January 30 1970
A Day in the Life	John Lennon, Paul McCartney	January 30 1970
Side Two
The Windjammer	Neal Creque	January 30 1970
I'll Never Fall in Love Again	Burt Bacharach, Hal David	January 30 1970
Dracula	Neal Creque	January 30 1970

Liner Notes

Many believe that the evolution of jazz guitar began with Mr. CC. Charlie Christian. and his inimitable, short lived work with the Benny Goodman sextet and orchestra from 1939 to 1941. When Charlie died from tuberculosis in February, 1941, at the age of twenty-four, many thought the evolution had run aground. Who was to follow in the giant Christian footsteps? Who was to equal, let alone exceed the young genius, called the most advanced jazz influence of his day?

Very possibly, Mr. GG. Grant Green.

Grant began playing guitar professionally early in life, in St. Louis. Mo., his birthplace. In 1948. when Grant was only thirteen. he began playing with a gospel group. Young Grant took in all the group had to offer in spiritual and musical education. The moods, reflections, complaints and prayers in that music instilled in Grant a blues influence that has always been evident in his work.

Chronologically, geographically, and artistically, Grant Green has paid his dues. Hes been playing steadily since the late forties. He’s been enjoyed across the country and around the world. Wide exposure is a major test of a musical artist—where has the Grant Green sound not been heard?

Grant’s artistic progress has been constant and continuous: his sound is instantly recognizable. Lou Donaldson was one of the first ‘name’ artists to recognize it, and in 1960, Lou induced Grant to move to New York City. He then introduced him to Frank Wolff and Alfred Lion of Blue Note Records. Grant was immediately signed and recorded. Now, ten years later, Grant is still with Blue Note, a long and rewarding experience for company and artist alike.

“Green Is Beautiful” displays Grant Green in top form. His sound is firm, strong, melodic and out in front at all times. On the opening number, “Ain’t It Funky Now,” Grants guitar bursts out of the driving percussion of Idris Muhammad (drums) and Candido Camero (conga) like an all-pro halfback behind excellent downfield blocking. He proves himself an excellent long distance runner.

Steady and swinging is Grant’s playing on “A Day In The Life.” His solo work is a tribute to the late Wes Montgomery, whose guitar made the song famous. Very apparent on this number as on Windjammer,” is Grant’s inspirational effect on the other members of his group. The pace is established, maintained and controlled by the Green guitar, and the result is a sound of musicians cohesively creating swinging sounds and enjoying the experience thoroughly.

“I’ll Never Fall In Love Again,” the lovely Burt Bacharach melody from ‘Promises. Promises,” is a total experience for any listener who has loved, lost and lived to try it again another day. Green’s moods run the gamut from pain to remorse to reflective insight. The beat begins slowly and gradually moves up-tempo. The guitar takes the upper registers, concluding strongly with the statement, “What do you get when you fall in love?”

On “Dracula,” the group wails. Blue Mitchells’ trumpet is a groove as is Claude Bartee on tenor. Emanuel Riggins’ organ sings out with Grant on top of it all. Enjoy Mr GG.

Green Is Beautiful.

—Morton Roth