Ira Sullivan (with Johnny Griffin) - Blue Stroll

I picked up this recording in Chicago a few years back at the famous Jazz Record Mart. The Jazz Record Mart is also home of the Delmark record label, one of my favorite record labels and also the folks who released this fine session.

Multi-instrumentalist Ira Sullivan is joined here by saxophone legend Johnny Griffin and the sturdy rhythm section of Jodie Christian on piano, Victor Sproles on bass, and Wilbur Campbell on drums on this classic album of Chicago jazz. From the hard bop of "Wilbur's Tune" to the thoughtful "My Old Flame" (where Griffin lays out and Sullivan plays baritone sax with the rhythm section), this album is loaded with tasty improvisation. The real standout track for me is the lengthy blues jam "Bluzinbee," which swings like a motherf---er and boasts a staggering back-and-forth tradeoff of solos between Sullivan and Griffin on no less than six different instruments. I thought trumpet was Sullivan's main instrument, but he plays killer solos on baritone and alto saxes, as well as peck horn! His lines are well constructed and full of energy. Add to this the brilliant soloing and comping by the other four men and you have one hell of an album. Highly recommended.