Johnny Griffin’s first U.S. recording in too many years is everything that you’d expect from someone who has worked with Thelonious Monk and Art Blakey—hard swinging! What one is immediately impressed with is Griffin’s tone, deeply rooted in the tradition of Ben Webster and perhaps similar to Dexter Gordon. His solos make extensive use of silence and short statements, even though his technique is impressive on fast tempos, as demonstrated on his composition “Hot Sake.” All compositions on this recording are Griffin’s and show an intimate knowledge of the great composers such as Monk, Parker and Ellington. Joining Griffin on this recording are Curtis Fuller (trombone), Steve Nelson (vibraphone), Kenny Washington (drums), Michael Weiss (piano) and Dennis Irwin (bass). “The Count” provides Weiss with ample chance to show that he is familiar with the music of Count Basie. Washington and Irwin lay down grooves with spark and imagination. All in all, this is a fine album and keeps one in hopes that it won’t take forever for the next Johnny Griffin recording.