LRC Jazz Classics combined two '60s albums from
Jimmy McGriff on one CD.
A Tribute to Count Basie was recorded in 1966 with the Jimmy McGriff Big Band, and it is a very large group. At the center of all these instruments is the one-man band organ sound of
McGriff. This salute to
Count Basie includes ten songs that he wrote or made a part of his repetoire. Actually, the record works quite well. Funkiest Little Band in the Land is a collection of
McGriff with small bands during the years from 1968 to 1974, before he went to the large orchestra format. Produced by
Sonny Lester, many of these appeared on the Groove Merchant label. Includes a lot of funky stuff with titles like"Super Funk," "Fat Cakes," "Groove Fly," and "Dig On It." There are 13 cuts and plenty of vintage
McGriff. ~ Michael Erlewine