The Hammond B3 organ wizard Jimmy McGriff and alto saxophonist Hank Crawford are soul survivors. They rescued soul jazz music from the fate of oldies stations, nostalgia reunion tours and dusty vinyl records fifteen years ago.
James Harrell McGriff was a cop in Philadelphia — the Hammond B3 capital of the world – before he started moonlighting in a blues club and studying the organ. Hank Crawford was Ray Charles’ baritone sax player years and backed up B.B. King and Ike Turner and Bobby Bland.
Separately McGriff and Crawford helped popularize the soul jazz sound of the 1960’s. Together they’ve spread the sound to pop, rap and contemporary jazz listeners. Live music from the soul mates Jimmy McGriff and Hank Crawford are next on the Connection.
(Hosted by Christopher Lydon)
Guests:
Jimmy McGriff and Hank Crawford.