DICK GRIFFIN | MASTER OF THE SLIDE (S6 | E290)
This past Thursday, I had the profound privilege of stepping into the vibrant 39th Street and 8th Avenue art studio of legendary jazz trombonist and painter Dick Griffin for an in-depth, hour-long conversation. Recording this interview for Jazz New York—a proud production of Lester the Nightfly Radio—felt like capturing lightning in a bottle. Surrounded by his vivid canvases right in the heart of the city, we settled in to document the thoughts and memories of a musician who has spent decades pushing the boundaries of what a brass instrument can do.
Dick Griffin Master of the Slide | Master of the Canvas
MULTIPHONIC PLAYING
At the heart of our discussion was Griffin’s groundbreaking approach to the trombone, particularly his masterful, signature use of multiphonics. He walked me through the intricate mechanics of this technique, explaining how he hums and plays simultaneously to produce chords and multiple notes at once, creating a rich, sweeping texture that is entirely his own. We also explored his profound musical and personal connection with the great Charles Mingus, reflecting on his time performing with Mingus’s big band and the collaborative energy that defined that legendary era of jazz.
NOW IS THE TIME
A major focal point of the hour was the highly anticipated 2026 re-release of his seminal record, Now is the Time. We unpacked the history behind this definitive album, discussing how the passage of time has only sharpened its relevance and deepened its groove for contemporary listeners. Hearing Griffin reflect on the original creative process behind those tracks provided incredible context for the enduring power of his compositions, proving exactly why this freshly re-released edition is an essential addition to any serious music collection.
To complement our conversation, the broadcast features a meticulously curated playlist that traces the vast expanse of Griffin’s musical universe and historical touchpoints. Alongside select cuts from Dick’s own celebrated discography, the show will weave in the idiosyncratic genius of Thelonious Monk, showcase the theatrical soul of the 1970s musical ME and Bessie, and channel the revolutionary, spoken-word brilliance of Gil Scott-Heron. The resulting episode is a sonic journey that perfectly frames the artistry of a true New York renaissance man.
DICK GRIFFIN | MASTER OF THE SLIDE (S6 | E290)
| Track Name | Album Name | Artist Name(s) | Release Date | Record Label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T’aint Nobody’s Bizness If I Do | Me and Bessie | Linda Hopkins | 1/1/76 | Linda Hopkins |
| Madrid | Now Is The Time | Dick Griffin | 1/12/26 | Ruby Records |
| Eighth Wonder | The Eight Wonder and More | Dick Griffin | 10/11/11 | Ruby Records |
| Peaceful Thinking | Now Is The Time | Dick Griffin | 1/12/26 | Ruby Records |
| The Bottle | Winter in America | Gil Scott-Heron;Brian Jackson | 5/2/74 | Culture Factory USA |
| Carolyn Kiki Mingus | Me, Myself An Eye | Charles Mingus | 1979 | Rhino Atlantic |
