Jimmy McGriff, R.I.P.

Revered soul-jazz Hammond B-3 keyboardist Jimmy McGriff passed away May 24 due to complications from multiple sclerosis, age 72. Ben Ratliff of the NY Times has written a solid summary of McGriff's accomplishments and renowned producer Dante Ross chips in with a heartfelt tribute here. I will only add that the man's songs have been sampled plenty by hip-hop artists and his playing possesses a soulful girth and funky dexterity that will never sound exhausted. Every discerning record collector should possess at least a few of his albums.

Here are videos for “The Worm” and "Spear for Moondog, Pt. 1":

"The Worm"

"Spear for Moondog, Pt. 1"