Rayford Griffin - Rebirth Of The Cool

Release Date: May 29, 2007
Originally Released: June 24, 2003
Label: Lightyear / Razoredge Records
Format/Quality: MP3 / CBR 320 kbps, 44.1 kHz, Joint Stereo
Time: 58:08 min

URL's:
RayfordGriffin.com/
Myspace/RayfordGriffinMusic
Youtube/RayfordGriffin
DrummerWorld/RayfordGriffin


~ Track List ~

01. Rebirth Of The Cool (5:47)
02. Lids and Squares (5:52)
03. All That (5:23)
04. Everytime I See U (6:49)
05. In Your Eyes (8:33)
06. Jazzi Ray (Rayford's Song) (7:37)
07. Folake (5:18)
08. Kings (6:04)
09. Coffee (6:45)

Track Samples --> here and also at the above URLs


~ Notes / Reviews ~

“

Drummer extraordinaire Rayford Griffin’s long awaited first CD as a leader is destined to have a ruthless impact. Los Angeles-based Rayford Griffin is always in high demand for studio and touring gigs worldwide for Jazz and R&B royalty, but here he employs his distinctive drumming magic on his own behalf, surrounded by legends: Branford Marsalis, George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Dwight Sills, Gerald Albright, and Everette Harp. Rayford emerges from the drum riser to showcase his writing, arranging, drumming and singing gifts on this brilliant debut CD. The title track Rebirth of the Cool features Rayford singing lead, a richly harmonic surprise. The first single, In Your Eyes, is a song of melodic beauty and radio-friendly panache, featuring Dwight Sills on guitar. Check it out, and you will agree: Rayford is, indeed, “The Cool.” The debut solo release of drummer Rayford Griffin’s “Rebirth of the Cool” on Razoredge Records comprises “a tangy fusion of raw funk, relentlessly swinging jazz, radio-friendly melodies and blazin’ jazz-rock fusion workouts”. A bold statement for Griffin’s debut release... We give it a rating of A+. -- Lightyear, Smooth Notes & News

”

“

Whenever [one's] first ever release features a host of side men that reads like a "Who's Who in the Annals of Jazz," one has to ascertain there is something special in the mix. It is a CD sculptured with harmonic displays of contemporary styling and lasting appeal. Rayford's debut effort entitled 'Rebirth of the Cool' is an outstanding release that features stellar luminaries from every corner of the jazzscape. -- JazzReview.com

”

“

The music is best described as "Neo-classic" radio-friendly jazz, with commercial appeal that spans the contemporary and smooth jazz markets. It is an innovative return to solid grooving old-school jazz with inventive musical artistry and strong performances all captured in a live studio setting. -- RazorEdge Records

”

~ Musicians ~

(Rayford’s reputation afforded him the opportunity to work with the finest, most versatile names in music on this crucial debut.)

Rayford Griffin (drums, lead vocals)
George Duke, Nick Smith, Deron Johnson, Rob Mullins, Tom McMorran, Mark Stephens (Keyboards)
Stanley Clarke, Mel Brown, Larry Kimpel, Sekou Bunch, Keith Jones (Bass)
Dwight Sills, Jamie Glaser, Toshi Yannagi, Carl Burnett, Reggie Griffin (Guitar)
Munyungo Jackson, Marino Babino (Percussion)
Branford Marsalis, Gerald Albright, Everette Harp, Gary Bias, Brandon Fields, Bobby English, Reggie Griffin (Saxophone)
Johnny Britt, Michael "Patches" Stewart, Walt Fowler, Ralph Rikert, Mark "Led" Ledford (Trumpet)
Reggie Young (Trombone)
Karen Briggs (Violin)
Rayford Griffin, Kim Johnson, Reggie Griffin (Background vocals)

Rayford has previouslly performed with:

Jean-Luc Ponty, Scott Henderson, Michael Jackson, Babyface, Jeff Lorber, George Howard, Manhattan Transfer, Kenny G, Rick Braun, Angela Winbush, Cameo, Baron Browne, Debarge, Stanley Clarke, Bette Midler, George Duke, Anita Baker, Isley Brothers, Michael Bolton...and many more