Artist description The time has come: Fans of the singer and drummer, a Long Beach musical fixture for many years, will enjoy his latest CD. George Griffin, of course, is the blues. His deep gravelly voice expresses pure emotion whether it's the upbeat " A Pa Ne," the smooth "Hell is on the Run," or the laid-back "Night Lovin' His arrangement of the "Happy Birthday Blues" is a gem.

Music Style Blues

Musical Influences Anyone with a distinctive sound

Similar Artists Bobby Bluebland, B.B. King, Eric Clapton

Artist History George was born and raised in New Orleans, where he established his musical roots. As a young man he moved to Seattle, where as Paul de Baros writes in his book, Roots of Jazz in Seattle, he became a pioneer jazz artist and one of the finest drummers of the era. George has performed and recorded with the Jerome Gray Trio, The Joe Brazil Quartet and the Floyd Stanifer Big Band (first to do live jazz in a church). Later he graduated to the Lionel Hampton Big Band and other major bands.

Group Members George Griffin, Jimmie Felber, Jim "baby hewey" Hewitt

Instruments Drums-George Griffin, Keyboard-Jim-Felber, Guitar-Jim Hewitt

Albums THE TIME HAS COME

Press Reviews While playing in the Joe Brazil Quartet, which was the house band at the famous Charlie Puzo Penthouse (one of the major jazz houses in Seattle during the '60s) they were the opening band for all the great jazz bands that played the Penthouse. Some of the world renown drummers that George opened for were Elvin Jones, Philly Joe Jones, Roy Haynes, Jimmy Cobb, Tony Williams, Chico Hamilton, Louis Hayes, Art Blakey, and Sticks Hooper. In recognition of his fame as the northwests greatest drummer, Black & Tan Nightclub owner Alex Palmer painted theGeorge Griffin name in eight foot letter on the side of his club.

Additional Info Take one part gravel dredge up from deep in the Mississippi Delta add an anguished wail of the Blues that reaches in and grabs hold of your soul, and finish with the maturity that comes from a life time of paying dues...and you've got GEORGE GRIFFIN Gigs with Lionel Hampton, Jimmy Witherspoon, Ray Charles, Etta James, Sammy Davis Jr..and the host of other greats who have employed his musical talents have provided Griffin with quailty experiences to put into his musical stew. This Man cooks!

Location Long Beach, California - USA

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