Blues For Mister Jimmy - Jimmy McGriff (1965) (1LP Vinyl) - Very Good Plus (VG+)

Blues For Mister Jimmy by Jimmy McGriff.

Few organists ever swung with the greasy, gospel-soaked authority of Jimmy McGriff, and "Blues For Mister Jimmy" captures that voice in full. This is Hammond organ music built for late nights and low lights, an album that leans hard into the pocket while leaving plenty of room for the blues to breathe. From the opening groove, McGriff makes clear that this is a record about feel, about the slow burn and the sudden lift, rather than about showing off.

The A-side sets the tone with "Discotheque U.S.A." and "Cash Box," two McGriff originals that dance between dancefloor energy and after-hours cool. Then come the twin heart pieces of the set, "Blues For Joe" and the title track "Blues For Mr. Jimmy," both written by McGriff himself. These are the moments where the organ speaks plainest, drawing out long, aching lines over a steady, unhurried pulse. "The Dog (You Dog)" closes the side with a strut, all attitude and grin.

Flip to the B-side and the party keeps rolling. "Bump De Bump," another McGriff original, brings a bouncing, hip-shaking figure that shows off his knack for writing melodies that stick. "The Party's Over" gives the record its moment of tenderness, a change of pace that lets McGriff show his gift for restraint and phrasing. The organ becomes a singing voice here, patient and warm.

The record then digs back into the groove with "Turn Blue" and "Sho' Nuff," two more McGriff compositions that round out the program with confidence and swing. Nearly the entire tracklist comes from McGriff's own pen, a reminder that he was not only a bandleader and a stylist but a writer with a strong sense of how to shape a mood across a full album side.

Rick Willard supplies the liner notes, framing the music and offering context for listeners settling in with the sleeve in hand. It is the kind of accompaniment that rewards the ritual of putting on a record, reading along, and letting the whole thing unfold at its own pace.

For collectors chasing the deep, soulful heart of the Hammond organ tradition, "Blues For Mister Jimmy" is an essential document. It gathers McGriff's writing, his touch, and his instinct for the blues into a single, cohesive statement. Drop the needle, turn the lights down, and let Jimmy McGriff do what he does best.

Pressing Details:
Track Listing:
A1. Discotheque U.S.A.
A2. Cash Box
A3. Blues For Joe
A4. Blues For Mr. Jimmy
A5. The Dog (You Dog)
B1. Bump De Bump
B2. The Party's Over
B3. Turn Blue
B4. Sho' Nuff

Credits:
Rick Willard - Liner Notes
Jimmy McGriff - Written-By (A1 to B1, B3, B4)

Artist: Jimmy McGriff

Format: 1LP

Genre: Blues

Label: Sue Records Inc.

Catalog Number: LP 1039

Release Year: 1965

Country: United States

Condition: Used

Media Condition: Very Good Plus (VG+)

Sleeve Condition: Very Good (VG) (Cover shows some wear)