Grant Green came from the Charlie Christian school of jazz guitar, approaching the instrument as if it was a horn and preferring to play single-note melodic lines rather than chords. His sound was clean and uncluttered, and, on his 1961 Blue Note debut as leader, Grant’s First Stand, producer Alfred Lion placed him in an organ trio context, knowing that it would allow the guitarist space to express himself and shine. The organist was Roosevelt “Baby Face” Willette, a church-raised gospel-influenced musician who brought a sanctified soulfulness to the session. Completing the trio was Ben Dixon, a drummer from South Carolina. Not only was it the album on which the wider world first got to hear his unique approach to the guitar, but it also functioned as highly personal musical manifesto that became Green’s stylistic blueprint during his first – and arguably most satisfying – stint at Blue Note.

Musicians:
Grant Green, guitar
Roosevelt ‘Baby Face’ Willette, organ
Ben Dixon, drums

Side A:
1. Miss Ann’s Tempo
2. Lullaby Of The Leaves
3. Blues For Willarene
Side B:
1. Baby’s Minor Lope
2. Ain’t Nobody’s Business If I Do
3. A Wee Bit O’ Green