What do cosmic jazz and political correctness have in common? Absolutely nothing, and that's why Jimmy McGriff’s album Countdown is an American masterpiece from the past that speaks to us today. Released in 1983, this album is a glimpse into pure, unapologetic artistry unrestricted by today's oppressive woke culture. McGriff, an organist of unparalleled skill, put his mark on the genre with this compelling collection of tracks that scream freedom and individuality.
Let’s first talk about the genius himself: Jimmy McGriff. Born in Philadelphia in 1936, he mastered the Hammond B-3 organ—a feat that today’s mainstream-music obsessed can hardly fathom, given their current Minecraft addiction and fixation on participation trophies. McGriff’s playing is laced with the kind of lively and unrestricted notes that inspired a generation of musicians who wanted nothing more than to express themselves without fear of judgment or silencing.
Countdown is emblematic of McGriff's unique style that defies limitations, much unlike today's sterile, vanilla musical production. It’s music made in America for Americans, which solidifies its position as a staple of authentic expression. Recorded in New York City, the album comprises tracks that showcase not only McGriff's virtuosity on the organ but also stand as eternal reminders of the time when talent was king—not viral social media meltdown queens.
The album kicks off with the titular track, “Countdown,” setting a dynamic and ambitious tone. It invites you into McGriff’s world, a space where raw energy and musical spontaneity reign supreme. With cascading organ sweeps and intricate jazz melodies, McGriff captures your attention, beckoning you to escape the numbing noise of today’s uninspired mass culture. The spirit of the 1980s is infused here, not the era’s worst traits like big government nonsense, but the era's best features like individual expression and artistic innovation.
Moving on to “Motoring Along”, this track is for those who appreciate a good ride—not on public transportation paid for by taxpayer dollars, but a good old road trip across the great expanse of America. It's lively and rhythmic, taking you on a journey through an energizing soundscape. According to the liner notes, McGriff was particularly fond of this track, and it's clear why: it’s the sonic equivalent of the great American road trip—free, boundless, and exhilarating.
Then there’s “Bossanova”, a true classic that contrasts beautifully with mainstream music's surrender to simplistic and mundane tunes. This track challenges the listener with its multifaceted grooves and daring rhythms. There's no safety net here—McGriff swings for the fences in a way that would leave today’s auto-tuned songbirds in the dust. The album takes risks, it breaks norms, and it does so without fear—or need—for validation from cultural commissars.
The track “Groove Fly” is yet another showcase of McGriff’s absolute command over his instrument. It hooks you in with a playful yet sophisticated narrative of sound, a story that unfolds without pandering to fleeting trends or vacuous lyrics. Listening to it is like having dinner with an old friend, the kind of friend who brings along a hefty bottle of hard-earned wisdom and stories.
Now more than ever, Countdown stands as a beacon of incredible talent and musical legacy. It's a resounding reminder that exceptional art thrives in the absence of restrictive ideologies, the kind that today would have you prioritizing feelings over facts. Understanding this album is understanding what makes true human creativity soar—it's about stepping outside the echo chamber of repetitive platitudes and into a world where talent speaks for itself.
Undoubtedly, the most important track on the album is “Sunny”, a popular standard that McGriff makes entirely his own. This rendition isn’t some half-baked reinterpretation; it's a reinvigoration with a vigor that today’s oversaturated pop charts can only dream of. His interpretation is sunny in more sense than one, reviving the listener's hope and energy. It’s pure, and it’s unapologetically honest.
Countdown isn’t just an album to listen to; it's a cultural artifact reminding us of the power in our roots. Its spirit is that of a country built on freedom, innovation, and grit. Craving the liberation from the chains of current political correctness, this album offers a resounding note of individuality and risk-taking. It is a call to return to authenticity and embrace the untethered creativity Jimmy McGriff exemplifies, rather than bow to the pressure of bland consensus. Countdown is more than just music; it's the heartbeat of America's artistic spirit.
In a time where artistic expression can often feel caged, re-exploring Jimmy McGriff's Countdown isn’t just an auditory journey—it’s an experience, a protest, a statement of independence. Crack open a cold one, put this album on, and revel in the no-nonsense clarity of unfiltered artistry. You’ll find America—real, rugged, and ready to reclaim its musical heritage.