Feelin' the Spirit

by Grant Green

Product Description:

Personnel: Grant Green (guitar); Herbie Hancock (piano); Butch Warren (double bass); Billy Higgins (drums); Garvin Masseaux (tambourine).

Liner Note Authors: Joe Goldberg; Bob Blumenthal.

Recording information: Van Gelder Studios, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey (12/21/1962).

Grant Green shows his spiritual side on FEELIN' THE SPIRIT, a deeply moving collection of traditional gospels revamped with a swinging groove. Although this is a jazz session, Green is certainly observant of the gospel tradition and plays here like he was born to testify. Backing up the guitarist is the trio of Herbie Hancock, Butch Warren, and Billy Higgins. Rounding out the group is percussionist Garvin Masseaux who performs solely on tambourine, one of the traditional instruments of the church.

The uplifting bounce of "Just A Closer Walk With Thee," a work traditionally taken as a dirge, starts the session with a soulful smile. Green and Hancock both shine brilliantly on the bossa-fied "Joshua Fit De Battle Ob Jericho," a stunning piece that lends itself to some spirited rhythms. The deep blues of "Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen," on its own a melancholy tune, is given a smoky treatment that echoes the style of Billie Holiday. The date's most moving piece, however, is the ancient "Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child," which Green and company plays with such somber conviction as to bring the congregation to its knees. Indeed, with this session, everyone will feel the SPIRIT.