Showing posts with label Teddy Edwards. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Teddy Edwards. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Claude Tissendier Quintet & Teddy Edwards - Three Tenors Session

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:45
Size: 88.7 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 2008
Art: Front

[6:04] 1. Sunset Eyes
[3:51] 2. Wheelin' And Dealin'
[7:13] 3. Midnite Creeper
[5:06] 4. Number One
[5:03] 5. Lovin' It, Lovin' It
[4:44] 6. T'n't' (Tiss And Teddy)
[6:43] 7. If I Had You/That's All/Tenderly

Claude Braud, Claude Tissendier (tenor saxophone) Philippe Milanta (piano) Pierre-Yves Sorin (bass) Vincent Cordelette (drums) and Teddy Edwards (tenor saxophone).

Featuring the French swinging bop tenor Claude Tissendier & 'the first' bop tenor Teddy Edwards. Features seven tracks recorded in 2002 in Paris, France, this is warm, soulful, & swinging jazz music!

Three Tenors Session

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Teddy Edwards - Steppin' Lightly

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2023
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:18
Size: 97,3 MB
Art: Front

(7:23) 1. Steppin' Lightly
(5:16) 2. Lover, Come Back To Me
(4:13) 3. A Little Later
(5:38) 4. Our Love Is Here To Stay
(4:56) 5. Fool Rush In
(4:29) 6. You Don't Know What Love Is
(5:36) 7. The Cellar Dweller
(4:44) 8. Our Last Goodbye

A pioneer hard bopper on the tenor and recognized as one of the masters in the L.A. Central Avenue scene, Edwards leaves a huge legacy of recorded music, stretching from the Forties right through to his death in 2003.

Born in Jackson, Mississippi, on 26th April 1924, Edwards moved to Los Angeles in 1945, first coming to attention the following year when, with trumpeter Howard McGhee's group, he recorded the groundbreaking bebop tune, “Up In Dodo's Room.”

By the end of that decade Edwards was sufficiently well known to front his own bands. In 1949 he was also one of the first members of the Lighthouse All Stars, the group based at the famous Lighthouse Club in Hermosa Beach.

Five years later, in 1954, Edwards was invited to join the Max Roach Quintet, a group that also featured legendary trumpeter Clifford Brown. Edwards' tenor perfectly complemented Brown's eloquent style, a partnership also helped by Teddy's growing talents as a composer. Indeed, the Quintet's recording of Edwards' classic “Sunset Eyes” is a testament to the effectiveness of the relationship.

By the mid-Fifties Edwards was long established as a regular at West Coast festivals and clubs and, over the next few years, he worked with such diverse musicians as Benny Goodman, Les McCann, Dizzy Gillespie, Milt Jackson, Ray Brown, Benny Carter, Hampton Hawes, Earl Hines and Gerald Wilson. He also wrote songs for Nancy Wilson, Jimmy Witherspoon and Ernie Andrews.

In 1978 Edwards came to Europe for the first of what became regular visits. Among the dates were festivals in Norway, Holland and Belgium.

Edwards' talents came to the attention of a wider audience when, in 1982, he teamed up with the singer Tom Waits on his Oscar-nominated soundtrack for Francis Ford Coppola's film, “One From the Heart.” Edwards also joined Waits on a tour of Australia and New Zealand that same year. It was the start of a lifetime friendship, a relationship that also included Waits' appearance on Teddy Edwards' 1991 album, “Mississippi Lad.”

Despite recurring illness, Edwards continued to play and record throughout the Nineties. His schedule included European festivals and UK tours as well as shows throughout the United States. A jazz player of unique talent, Edwards will be remembered as a consistently inventive and dexterous musician.
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/musicians/teddy-edwards/

Steppin'Lightly

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Gerald Wilson Big Band - Moment Of Truth

Styles: Jazz, Big Band
Year: 1989
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:32
Size: 93,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:47)  1. Viva Tirado
(4:26)  2. Moment Of Truth
(5:57)  3. Patterns
(2:58)  4. Terri
(2:41)  5. Nancy Jo
(5:40)  6. Milestones
(5:06)  7. Latino
(4:29)  8. Josephina
(3:25)  9. Emerge

Gerald Wilson's Pacific Jazz albums of the 1960s were arguably the most significant of his career. This CD reissues his second record of the period and has among its highlights the original version of "Viva Tirado" (a catchy number made into a surprise pop hit by El Chicano later in the decade) and a driving rendition of "MIlestones"; the other seven songs (six of which are Wilson's originals) are also quite enjoyable. Among the more notable soloists are trumpeter Carmell Jones, both Teddy Edwards and Harold Land on tenor, guitarist Joe Pass, and pianist Jack Wilson. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/moment-of-truth-mw0000654233

Personnel: Gerald Wilson - arranger and conductor; John Audino, Jules Chaiken, Freddie Hill, Carmell Jones, Al Porcino  - trumpet; Lou Blackburn, Bob Edmondson, Lester Robertson, Frank Strong - trombone; Bob Knight - bass trombone; Joe Maini - alto saxophone; Bud Shank - alto saxophone, flute; Teddy Edwards, Harold Land - tenor saxophone; Jack Nimitz, Don Raffell - baritone saxophone; Jack Wilson - piano; Joe Pass - guitar; Jimmy Bond - bass; Mel Lewis - drums; Modesto Duran - congas

Moment Of Truth

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Helen Humes - Swingin' With Humes

Styles: Vocal, Swing
Year: 1961
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:37
Size: 96,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:29)  1. When Day Is Done
(3:55)  2. Home (When Shadows Fall)
(2:53)  3. There'll Be Some Changes Made
(3:36)  4. Some Day My Prince Will Come
(3:48)  5. I'm Confessin'
(3:09)  6. S'posin'
(3:19)  7. Pennies From Heaven
(3:17)  8. The Very Thought Of You
(3:27)  9. Baby Won't You Please Come Home
(4:01) 10. Solitude
(4:01) 11. I Surrender Dear
(2:35) 12. My Blue Heaven

The third of Helen Humes' three memorable Contemporary releases, all of which are out on CD, features the distinctive singer on a dozen standards that she had missed documenting thus far. With fine backup work by trumpeter Joe Gordon, tenor saxophonist Teddy Edwards, pianist Wynton Kelly, guitarist Al Viola, bassist Leroy Vinnegar and drummer Frank Butler, Humes is in top form on such tunes as "When Day Is Done," "There'll Be Some Changes Made," "Pennies From Heaven" and "The Very Thought of You." One of her better albums.
By Scott Yanow  https://www.allmusic.com/album/swingin-with-humes-mw0000691152

Personnel:  Vocals – Helen Humes;  Tenor Saxophone – Teddy Edwards;  Trumpet – Joe Gordon;   Bass – Leroy Vinnegar;  Drums – Frank Butler;  Guitar – Al Viola;  Piano – Wynton Kelly

Swingin' With Humes

Friday, October 7, 2022

Teddy Edwards - The Inimitable Teddy Edwards

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1976
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:28
Size: 95,1 MB
Art: Front

( 9:59) 1. Sunset Eyes
( 4:43) 2. That Old Black Magic
( 7:20) 3. Mean To Me
( 5:41) 4. Imagine
( 3:35) 5. One On One
(10:08) 6. Stella By Starlight

The underrated tenor great Teddy Edwards had only recorded one album as a leader during before he made this Xanadu date, and he would have to wait around for four years before his next session. The neglect had much more to do with geography (he spent his career living in Los Angeles) than it did with talent. Edwards, backed by pianist Duke Jordan, bassist Larry Ridley, and drummer Freddie Waits, is in top form throughout these five standards (including his most famous original "Sunset Eyes") plus Edwards' newer piece "One on One." Whether it be "Stella by Starlight" (which has an opening tenor cadenza), a relaxed "Mean to Me" or a cooking rendition of "That Old Black Magic," this LP is a superior outing. By Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-inimitable-mw0001881694

Personnel: Teddy Edwards – tenor saxophone; Duke Jordan – piano; Larry Ridley – bass; Freddie Waits – drums

The Inimitable Teddy Edwards

Monday, December 7, 2020

Richard "Groove" Holmes - Blue Groove

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 1994
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 72:33
Size: 167,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:42) 1. Get up and Get It
(5:11) 2. Lee-Ann
(9:23) 3. Body and Soul
(5:26) 4. Broadway
(8:04) 5. Groove's Blues Groove
(6:28) 6. Pennies from Heaven
(4:41) 7. Autumn Leaves
(6:45) 8. There Is No Greater Love
(5:30) 9. Denise
(7:57) 10. Things Ain't What They Used to Be
(7:21) 11. Up Jumped Spring

This CD, which reissues two former LPs by Richard "Groove" Holmes (Get Up & Get It and Soul Mist), showcases the organist in a quintet featuring the tenor of Teddy Edwards and guitarist Pat Martino, with his trio, and (on two standards) with trumpeter Blue Mitchell and tenor saxophonist Harold Vick. Overall, this 73-minute set has many fine solos, spirited ensembles, and two well-rounded programs. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/blue-groove-mw0000111626

Personnel: Bass – Paul Chambers (3) (tracks: 1 to 6); Drums – Billy Higgins (tracks: 1 to 6), Freddie Waits (tracks: 9, 11), George Randall (tracks: 7 to 8, 10); Guitar – Gene Edwards (tracks: 7 to 11), Pat Martino (tracks: 1 to 6); Organ – Richard "Groove" Holmes; Tenor Saxophone – Harold Vick (tracks: 8, 10), Teddy Edwards (tracks: 1 to 6); Trumpet – Blue Mitchell (tracks: 8, 10)

Blue Groove

Friday, November 22, 2019

Booker Ervin - Booker And Brass

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:58
Size: 115,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:40)  1. East Dallas Special
(4:29)  2. I Lost My Sugar In Salt Lake City
(4:31)  3. Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans
(5:06)  4. L.A. After Dark - Master Take-6
(3:22)  5. Kansas City
(4:39)  6. Baltimore Oriole
(4:21)  7. Harlem Nocturne
(4:16)  8. I Left My Heart In San Francisco
(4:13)  9. St. Louis Blues
(5:12) 10. L.A. After Dark - Alt. Take-3
(5:04) 11. L.A. After Dark - Alt. Take-7

To hear Booker Ervin as the leading solo voice on a recording with a larger ensemble is a treat, not only for his fans, but for those interested in modern big-band sounds grown from the bop era that are flavored with urban blues. A trio of different sessions done at Webster Hall in New York City features groups ranging from ten to eleven pieces, with personnel switched up, and no supplemental saxophonists. Freddie Hubbard is the only other soloist besides Ervin, the trombone section features top-rate players Bennie Green, Britt Woodman, and Garnett Brown, and the rhythm section of pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Reggie Johnson, and drummer Lenny McBrowne is as solid as can be. The session is based entirely on themes dedicated to major cities in the U.S. ~ Michael G.Nastos https://www.allmusic.com/album/booker-n-brass-mw0000041557

Personnel: Booker Ervin - tenor saxophone; Martin Banks (tracks 1-3, 5, 7 & 8), Johnny Coles (tracks 1, 2 & 5), Ray Copeland, Freddie Hubbard (tracks 3, 4 & 6-11), Charles Tolliver (tracks 4, 6 & 9-11), Richard Williams - trumpet; Garnett Brown (tracks 3, 4 & 6-11), Bennie Green, Britt Woodman (tracks 1, 2 & 5) - trombone; Benny Powell (tracks 1-3, 5, 7 & 8) - bass trombone; Kenny Barron - piano; Reggie Johnson - bass; Lenny McBrowne - drums; Teddy Edwards - arranger, conductor

Booker And Brass

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Teddy Edwards, Houston Person - Close Encounters

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:02
Size: 110,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:24)  1. Twisted
(4:59)  2. Blue and Sentimental
(9:44)  3. Pennies from Heaven
(5:46)  4. Night Train
(6:16)  5. I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance
(7:00)  6. The Breeze and I
(8:53)  7. Little Girl Blue

A follow-up to their previous excellent CD Horn To Horn has the two veteran tenor saxophonists with the same drummer, Kenny Washington, joined by pianist Stan Hope and bassist Ray Drummond. They swing and stroll through another seven standards, Edwards with his lithe, breezy, matter-of-fact tone, Person displaying the bluesy, street smart literate, fluid approach that always holds him in good stead. There are two selections where Edwards and Person play in lock step, note for note before trading solos. "Twisted" and "The Breeze & I" echo a collective century of jazz friendship, both knowing the tune so well, no stumbling at all. They play in harmony for the old rugged "Night Train," alternate during the easygoing "Pennies From Heaven," and the even smoother "Blue & Sentimental." Each also gets a feature, Edwards consummately punctuating his flattened interpretation of "I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance," while Person goes a little over the top putting his soulful stamp on "Little Girl Blue." Hope does get a smidgen of solo space here and there, while Drummond and Washington do their rhythmic duties admirably, as always. The beautiful thing is that while Edwards continually refines, picking notes even more carefully, and Person digs deeper into his blue gutbucket, there's no stepping on toes. The late Gene Kalbacher, on his liner notes for Horn to Horn called it a mutual "caress" rather than a tenor duel. There's a bit of flailing, but the respectful attitude of these two present-day jazz giants is clear and admirable. This CD is easily as good as the first collaboration, albeit clocking in at only 48 minutes or so. ~ Michael G.Nastos https://www.allmusic.com/album/close-encounters-mw0000243147

Personnel:  Teddy Edwards, Houston Person – tenor saxophone; Stan Hope – piano; Ray Drummond – bass; Kenny Washington – drums

Close Encounters

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Howard McGhee, Teddy Edwards - Wise In Time

Styles: Trumpet And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 73:57
Size: 170,6 MB
Art: Front

(6:04)  1. I Want To Talk About You
(6:05)  2. If You Could See Me Now
(7:04)  3. Crescent
(7:42)  4. Ruby My Dear
(5:06)  5. Time Waits
(7:46)  6. Relaxing At Camarillo
(6:53)  7. Reflections
(7:35)  8. Blues In The Closet
(4:38)  9. On A Misty Night
(4:08) 10. In Walked Bud
(4:14) 11. Yardbird Suite
(6:36) 12. Moose The Mooche

Originating from the same recording sessions (trumpeter Howard McGhee's last) that resulted in its superior companion Young at Heart, this set is a bit of a disappointment. McGhee, tenor saxophonist Teddy Edwards, pianist Art Hillery, bassist Leroy Vinnegar and drummer Billy Higgins all sounded fine on the other record but this album sticks exclusively to ballads and the results are dragging and a bit dreary. The renditions of such songs as "I Want to Talk About You," "I Remember Clifford" and John Coltrane's "Crescent" do not even come close to comparing with more definitive earlier versions and the musicians sound a bit tired. Skip this set and get Young at Heart (and some of Howard McGhee's earlier albums) instead. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/wise-in-time-mw0000428357

Personnel: Howard McGhee – trumpet; Teddy Edwards – tenor saxophone; Art Hillery – piano; Leroy Vinnegar – bass; Billy Higgins – drums

Wise In Time

Monday, June 10, 2019

Teddy Edwards - Back to Avalon

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:21
Size: 100,6 MB
Art: Front

(2:53)  1. Avalon
(5:36)  2. The Cellar Dweller
(4:29)  3. You Don't Know What Love Is
(7:23)  4. Steppin' Lightly
(3:50)  5. Sweet Georgia Brown
(4:44)  6. Our Last Goodbye
(6:36)  7. Good Gravy
(5:19)  8. (Under) A Southern Moon and Sky
(2:28)  9. Avalon (Version 2)

The liner notes written by Kirk Silsbee tell a tale easily as intriguing as the fine music on this CD. Producer Lester Koenig asked Teddy Edwards to assemble a large ensemble of lesser known jazz musicians from Los Angeles to record originals and new arrangements of standards. Those players had difficulty with the somewhat tricky charts, and because they were not up to the highest standards, the project was mutually agreed upon to be scrapped. Nearly 35 years later, Ed Michel came upon the tapes, assessed that the feeling and spirit in them was good enough, and had them cleaned up by editing in alternate takes spliced by audio computer to enhance the originally imperfect sessions. After some fact checking, the alleged or disputed lineup was confirmed, and the result is solidly swinging,enjoyable music. It showcases the magic touch Edwards displayed in composition and arranging, his distinctive tenor sax, and the ability of these players, many who would later prove their own mettle removed from the obscurity of that time. And now, the rest of the story...this is a really good album! Edwards is well known for his classic, ahead of its time, original soul-jazz tune "Good Gravy," and it appears here for its first recording, the horns grooving together and strutting their stuff. While "The Cellar Dweller" is usually in reference to a perennial last place sports team, this one is for the listeners of The Jazz Cellar nightclub in San Francisco, naturally bluesy and easy swinging with Edwards as the front runner, and the horns following in varying levels of dynamics. "(Under) A Southern Moon & Sky" takes Edwards back to his Mississippi roots and love for Duke Ellington in an attractively exotic and sensual, riki-tiki calypso beat courtesy of Larance Marable cracking his sticks on drum rims. 

The swing standard "Avalon" bookends the session, one at medium tempo, the other faster, both with wonderful interplay and rich balance. A supercharged take of "Sweet Georgia Brown" has Edwards out of the gate flying, extending the second chorus with a witty extrapolation and during the jamming bridge, while the contrasting sad and bittersweet "You Don't Know What Love Is," with the plaintive second lead of trumpeter Nathaniel Meeks, and the especially downhearted "Our Last Goodbye" wrenches every ounce of emotion from a somber place where no one really wants to be. Trombonist Lester Robertson and alto saxophonist Jimmy Woods became major players in L.A. from this point onward, and deserve a close listen here, while baritone saxophonist Modesto Brisenio is heard to good effect, especially on the intro of the quick waltz "Steppin' Lightly," which also sports some compelling rhythm changes slowed to half time, sped up, and funkified. There are recordings that rank as underrated or under appreciated, but Back to Avalon should not merely be tagged as such. Thankfully through hindsight this recording was released in fully flowered form so all can realize what a marvelous all-around musician Teddy Edwards was. ~ Michael G.Nastos https://www.allmusic.com/album/back-to-avalon-mw0000645746

Personnel: Tenor Saxophone – Teddy Edwards; Alto Saxophone – Jimmy Woods; Baritone Saxophone – Modesto Brisenio; Bass – Roger Alderson; Drums – Larance Marable; Piano – Danny Horton ; Trombone – Lester Robertson; Trumpet – Nathaniel Meeks

Back to Avalon

Monday, March 25, 2019

Milt Jackson - That's The Way It Is

Styles: Vibraphone Jazz 
Year: 1969
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:24
Size: 97,4 MB
Art: Front

(6:43)  1. Frankie And Johnny
(7:45)  2. Here's That Rainy Day
(4:32)  3. Wheelin' And Dealin'
(7:15)  4. Blues In The Bassment
(8:44)  5. Tenderly
(7:22)  6. That's The Way It Is

As the story goes, Milt Jackson and Ray Brown would meet up once a year for a run of gigs at Shelly's Manne-Hole, not because they couldn't find work elsewhere, but rather (as the liner notes put it) for "the pleasure of making music". That's The Way It Is comes from a pair of 1969 shows with a stellar quintet that featured three jazz masters (Teddy Edwards and the two headliners) along with the young up-and-comer Monty Alexander, who would go on to have an impressively long and varied career that is still going strong today. The somewhat obscure Dick Berk manned the drummer's chair, admirably laying down the tempo for this set of hard bop jazz that not surprisingly harkens back to a simpler time of blues-based jazz music. Jackson and Brown's friendship went way back, they first played together in the rhythm section of Dizzy Gillespie's band from 1946 to 1951. The other members of the rhythm section, not coincidently, were John Lewis and Kenny Clarke, who would soon thereafter go on to form The Modern Jazz Quartet with Jackson, the group for which he is most often associated with. Brown is best known for his enduring work with the Oscar Peterson Trio, whom he played with for nearly fifteen years from 1951 until 1966. Apparently the two men remained close throughout the years, resulting in their yearly meetings at the famous Hollywood jazz club. In addition to this live LP, they would also record a couple of big band albums together for Impulse!, both of which remain pretty obscure. That's The Way It Is finds the pair playing a jazz style that by 1969 had fallen out of favor with the listeners of popular music (at least in terms of record sales), but that's the reason I love a record like this: it gives a sense of what you would find in smaller jazz clubs during this period when this music was supposedly a dying art form. This was a time when post bop, electric jazz and fusion were the stylistic watchwords of the day, so it's nice to see that Impulse! had the sense to record Jackson and Brown playing in a modern jazz style that they once helped to popularize. Even though the record is fairly mellow, the musician's love of the classic jazz sound shines through, and the subtle nature of the music seems a conscious choice against the more in-your-face electric jazz that was gaining momentum all around them. One can imagine the audience members kicking back with their cocktails, nodding their heads in appreciation at the calm and collected grooves being laid down in front of them.

No need to extoll the great talents of Jackson and Brown here, if you are unfamiliar with their work go check out the Modern Jazz Quartet and Oscar Peterson Trio, but a few quick words on Teddy Edwards seem appropriate. By the time of That's The Way It Is he had certainly fallen out of favor with the jazz mainstream, but in the late 1940s he was considered one of the best (if not the most influential) tenor saxophone players along with Dexter Gordon and Wardell Gray. In 1947 Edwards and Dexter Gordon released the "The Duel", a recording that would cement both men's legendary status in the jazz world. It seems Edwards didn't achieve the same level of fame as his counterparts from the '40s due to his decision to remain in Los Angeles rather than head east, but that would explain Jackson and Brown tapping him to play in their quintet at a Hollywood jazz club, and what better choice for this set of music than a cat like Edwards who by this time had presumably seen and played it all. While the quieter tracks on the album feature some outstanding bass work from Brown (particularly his solo work on "Tenderly"), I'm certainly more partial to the upbeat tracks, in particular "Wheelin' And Dealin'" and the title track that closes out the record. The band swings and there is an instant delight in the interplay between the musicians. Nothing fancy, just some great jazz music. I'll quote Morgan Ames' liner notes again, as he sums up the recording quite well: "This is not experimental jazz. It's beyond that, or as they say in New York, outside that. This is solid, rooted, sweet-smelling earth of an enduring style, as played by masters." Well said, and even if the record labels had already begun to abandon this "enduring style", it's reassuring in hindsight to know that it was still out there, almost underground perhaps, but like the best that art has to offer it was simply biding it's time until the world would be once again ready to embrace it. The Details: An original 1969 pressing on the first version of the "Impulse! ABC Records" label. It is easily dated as pre-1972 by "A Product of ABC Records, Inc. New York, N.Y. 10019 • Made in USA" along the bottom (this would be shortened to differing lengths starting in 1972 until the next label change in 1974). This label version is often considered to be the last if the "audiophile" sounding pressings, although I own some later "neon" and "green bullseye" repressed titles and they sound pretty darn good to my ears (especially at the nice price you can snag em at). http://www.thejazzrecord.com/records/2016/5/29/milt-jackson-quintet-featuring-ray-brown-thats-the-way-it-is

Milt Jackson - Vibes; Ray Brown - Bass; Teddy Edwards - Tenor Sax; Monty Alexander - Piano; Dick Berk - Drums

That's The Way It Is

Thursday, November 8, 2018

Richard "Groove" Holmes - Welcome Home

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 1969
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 34:16
Size: 80,7 MB
Art: Front

(7:20)  1. Groovin' Time
(5:09)  2. Oklahoma Toad
(4:56)  3. Upward Bound
(5:26)  4. The Madison Time
(2:44)  5. The Odd Couple
(2:48)  6. I'm In The Mood For Love
(3:24)  7. 98.6 - Lazy Day
(2:24)  8. Sunday Mornin'

Groovy set of soul jazz organ tracks that has Groove playing with a large-ish group that includes George Freeman, Tom Scott, Anthony Ortega, Wilton Felder, and Paul Humphrey. The set's not totally hard and funky, but it's got a nice soulful swinging groove, with a tight LA 60s sound to it. Includes a nice version of "Madison Time", plus "Groovin Time", "Oklahoma Toad", "Upward Bound", and "The Odd Couple". (Cover has unglued seams and a torn corner in the front panel.)  © 1996-2018, Dusty Groove, Inc. https://www.dustygroove.com/item/17477/Richard-Groove-Holmes:Welcome-Home

Personnel:  Richard "Groove" Holmes - organ;  Chuck Findley - trumpet;  Anthony Ortega, Tom Scott - alto saxophone;  Teddy Edwards - tenor saxophone;  Wilton Felder - baritone saxophone, electric bass;  Joe Sample - piano;  George Freeman, Michael Anthony - guitar;  Paul Humphrey - drums

Welcome Home

Friday, August 31, 2018

Sonny Criss - Sonny's Dream (Birth of the New Cool)

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1968
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:29
Size: 104,3 MB
Art: Front

(7:33)  1. Sonny's Dream
(4:23)  2. Ballad For Samuel
(5:52)  3. The Black Apostles
(5:10)  4. The Golden Pearl
(7:34)  5. Daughter Of Cochise
(5:26)  6. Sandy And Niles
(5:06)  7. The Golden Pearl [#][*][Alternate Take]
(4:21)  8. Sonny's Dream (alternate)

For Sonny Criss this was an unusual date. The altoist is backed for the set by a nonet arranged by the great Los Angeles legend Horace Tapscott. The arrangements are challenging but complementary to Criss' style, and he is in top form on the six Tapscott originals. The CD reissue includes two additional alternate takes, and is highly recommended for both Criss' playing and Tapscott's writing. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/sonnys-dream-birth-of-the-new-cool-mw0000087973

Personnel:  Sonny Criss – alto saxophone, soprano saxophone;  Conte Candoli – trumpet;  Dick Nash – trombone;  Ray Draper – tuba;  David Sherr – alto saxophone;  Teddy Edwards – tenor saxophone;  Pete Christlieb – baritone saxophone;  Tommy Flanagan – piano;  Al McKibbon – bass;  Everett Brown Jr. – drums;  Horace Tapscott – arranger, conductor

Sonny's Dream  (Birth of the New Cool)

Thursday, August 2, 2018

Teddy Edwards - Ladies Man

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:20
Size: 124,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:37)  1. Jeannine
(5:17)  2. Rosetta
(6:06)  3. Ruby
(4:21)  4. Candy
(5:47)  5. Saskia
(4:03)  6. Diane
(5:25)  7. Donna Lee
(6:08)  8. Marie
(6:22)  9. Laura
(5:08) 10. Rosalie

For this project, veteran tenor saxophonist Teddy Edwards performs ten songs named after women's names, including his own "Saskia." Despite the potentially gimmicky nature of the repertoire, the music is conventional hard bop, played with spirit by Edwards, pianist Ronnie Mathews, bassist Chip Jackson, drummer Chip White, and (on four of the ten numbers) trumpeter Eddie Allen. Due to the fine solos of Edwards, Mathews, and Allen and the close attention paid to tempo and mood variations between songs, this is an excellent outing, well worth exploring by straight-ahead jazz collectors.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/ladies-man-mw0000006175

Personnel:  Teddy Edwards – tenor saxophone;  Eddie Allen – trumpet;  Ronnie Mathews – piano;  Chip Jackson – bass;  Chip White – drums

Ladies Man

Sunday, July 29, 2018

Teddy Edwards - Teddy's Ready

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1960
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:08
Size: 92,5 MB
Art: Front

(6:53)  1. Blues in G
(5:51)  2. Scrapple from the Apple
(4:01)  3. What's New?
(4:19)  4. You Name It
(7:24)  5. Take The "A" Train
(7:06)  6. The Sermon
(4:30)  7. Higgins' Hideaway

Tenor saxophonist Teddy Edwards' debut for Contemporary (which has been reissued on CD in the OJC series) gives listeners a strong sampling of the underrated tenor's talents. Edwards, a contemporary of Dexter Gordon and Wardell Gray but sometimes overlooked due to his decision to spend most of his life living in Los Angeles, is showcased on a quartet set with the obscure but talented pianist Joe Castro, bassist Leroy Vinnegar, and drummer Billy Higgins. Performing three standards, three originals (of which "Higgins' Hideaway" is most memorable), and Hampton Hawes' "The Sermon," Edwards has a chance to stretch out and he makes the most of the opportunity, creating some excellent straight-ahead music.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/teddys-ready-mw0000617292

Personnel:  Teddy Edwards - tenor saxophone;  Joe Castro - piano;  Leroy Vinnegar - bass;  Billy Higgins - drums

Teddy's Ready

Thursday, July 26, 2018

Teddy Edwards - Sunset Eyes

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1959
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:46
Size: 107,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:46)  1. Tempo de Blues
(7:12)  2. Vintage '57
(3:32)  3. I Hear a Rhapsody
(3:06)  4. Up in Teddy's New Flat
(5:27)  5. Sunset Eyes
(6:11)  6. Teddy's Tune
(6:32)  7. Takin' Off
(2:16)  8. The New Symphony Sid
(5:11)  9. My Kinda Blues
(2:28) 10. Takin' Off (first version)

Teddy Edwards, who took part in classic tenor battles with Dexter Gordon and Wardell Gray in Los Angeles during the mid- to late '40s, remained a major tenorman for more than half a century. However, his decision to live in L.A. resulted in him being greatly underrated through the years. Fortunately, the superior hard bop tenor (who showed that there was more than just cool jazz being played on the West Coast in the 1950s) recorded on a fairly frequent basis throughout his career. This set features music from 1959-1960 with Edwards joined by either Amos Trice, Joe Castro or Ronnie Ball on piano, Leroy Vinnegar or Ben Tucker on bass, and Billy Higgins or Al Levitt on drums. Edwards, an underrated composer, performs six of his originals (including his most famous composition, "Sunset Eyes," and two versions of "Takin' Off"), Vinnegar's "Vintage '57," and a pair of standards. Although there are short solos for Castro and Vinnegar, the focus throughout is on the leader's distinctive and likable tenor. Since the great Teddy Edwards never recorded an uninspiring record, this date is easily recommended to fans of straight-ahead jazz. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/sunset-eyes-mw0000599920

Personnel:  Teddy Edwards - tenor saxophone;  Ronnie Ball, Joe Castro , Amos Trice - piano;  Leroy Vinnegar, Ben Tucker  - bass;  Billy Higgins, Al Levitt - drums

Sunset Eyes

Monday, May 7, 2018

Legends & Lions - Swingin'

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:29
Size: 131.6 MB
Styles: Mainstream jazz
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[6:14] 1. Mighty Burner
[5:53] 2. Blues For Hamp
[5:48] 3. I Am Old Fashioned
[4:28] 4. Comment Allez-Vous
[3:40] 5. Seven Steps To Heaven
[6:06] 6. Nancy Jo
[5:39] 7. Blues For Matt B
[7:55] 8. Old Man Jazz
[6:21] 9. Centerpiece
[5:19] 10. The Masquerade Is Over

Legends & Lions: Swingin' is one of a pair of specially priced compilations simultaneously released by Mack Avenue at a special price to showcase their artists. Unlike typical collections, this CD combines previously issued tracks and music from future projects along with one unissued track that evidently will not appear elsewhere. The selections range from the tasty uptempo blues "Mighty Burner," which showcases trumpeter Rashawn Ross extensively before tenor saxophonist and leader Ron Blake makes his entrance; to vocalist Ilona Knopfler's sensual "Comment Allez-Vous" backed by a fine big band; to a bluesy down-home gospel-flavored treatment of "Centerpiece" that features Kenny Burrell, James Moody, Teddy Edwards, Cedar Walton, and Oscar Brashear. The unissued track, a brisk take of "I'm Old Fashioned" featuring alto saxophonist Bud Shank with pianist Mike Wofford, bassist Bob Magnusson, and drummer Joe La Barbera, may have been set aside due to a few reed squeaks in the opening minute. This excellent sampler showcases a label that is not focused exclusively either on veteran artists or rising stars, but one that simply seeks to record valuable jazz. ~Ken Dryden

Swingin' mc
Swingin' zippy

Saturday, February 3, 2018

Barney Kessel - Autumn Leaves

Styles: Guitar Jazz 
Year: 1968
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:14
Size: 137,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:55)  1. Autumn Leaves
(3:28)  2. Corcovado (Quiet Nights)
(4:47)  3. On a Clear Day, You Can See Forever
(5:06)  4. Aquarius
(4:17)  5. You're the One for Me
(4:10)  6. The Look of Love
(3:21)  7. I Will Wait for You
(3:35)  8. Watch What Happens
(4:06)  9. Blue Soul
(7:40) 10. Comin' Home
(3:09) 11. Shufflin'
(3:20) 12. Quail Bait
(5:17) 13. Watch the Birds Go By

This CD reissue contains a sleepy trio session by guitarist Barney Kessel who teams up with bassist Kenny Napper and drummer John Marshall for a variety of current pop tunes (including Burt Bacharach's "The Look Of Love" and two Michel Legrand songs) plus a few overly relaxed standards and originals. The CD is rounded out by three bouncy numbers from 1969 that feature Kessel with a big band that includes tenor-saxophonist Teddy Edwards and pianist Jimmy Rowles. Overall the lethargic performances function best as superior background music. ~ Scott Yanow  https://www.allmusic.com/album/autumn-leaves-mw0000613741

Personnel Barney Kessel (guitar); Teddy Edwards (tenor saxophone); Jimmy Rowles (piano); John Marshall (drums).

Autumn Leaves

Saturday, December 16, 2017

King Pleasure - Golden Days

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 30:49
Size: 70.6 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 1960/1981
Art: Front

[2:55] 1. Moody's Mood For Love
[2:59] 2. The New Symphony Sid
[2:55] 3. Don't Worry About Me
[2:24] 4. Little Boy, Don't Get Scared
[2:47] 5. Parker's Mood
[3:47] 6. Golden Days
[4:39] 7. Tomorrow Is Another Day
[5:13] 8. No, Not Much
[3:06] 9. All Of Me

Bass – Wilfred Middlebrooks; Drums – Earl Palmer; Piano, Arranged By – Gerald Wiggins; Tenor Saxophone – Harold Land, Teddy Edwards; Trombone – Matthew Gee.

In many ways, King Pleasure wrote the book on bop vocalese, composing and performing lyrics to famous jazz solos. If not the first to do it, he was certainly the first to have hit records doing it, including "Moody's Mood for Love," based on James Moody's version of "I'm in the Mood for Love"; Gene Ammons's "Red Top"; and "Parker's Mood." In the process, he led the way for other jazz singer-lyricists such as Jon Hendricks and Annie Ross. On this 1960 session, the original scat vocalist is heard recapping some of his greatest successes, including the famous James Moody and Charlie Parker solos. He's joined by two of the most underrated modern jazz tenor saxophonists, Harold Land and Teddy Edwards. After being impressed by the verbal wit and gymnastic diction that Pleasure's art demands, listeners may be struck by how much his mellow sound resembles that of Land or Moody. ~Stuart Broomer

Golden Days mc
Golden Days zippy

Sunday, October 8, 2017

Gerald Wilson - Big Band Modern

Styles: Jazz, Big Band
Year: 1954
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:06
Size: 153,8 MB
Art: Front

( 6:03)  1. Algerian Fantasy
( 2:49)  2. Bull Fighter
( 5:49)  3. Lotus Land
( 2:41)  4. Theme
( 4:19)  5. Mambo Mexicano
( 3:23)  6. Black Rose
( 3:12)  7. Romance
( 2:54)  8. Since We Said Goodbye
( 5:46)  9. Hollywood Freeway
( 4:08) 10. Sea Breeze
( 2:58) 11. Nice Work If You Can Get It
( 4:03) 12. Indiana
( 1:53) 13. It Had to Be You
( 4:29) 14. Out of Nowhere
(12:33) 15. Hollywood Freeway

First time on CD for this ultra-rare album by the Gerald Wilson Orchestra, the only studio session recorded by Wilson under his own name between 1947 and 1961 and features seven bonus tracks. Includes never before heard solos by tenor stars Wardell Gray, Zoot Sims and Stan Getz and one of a kind arrangements by Wilson! 

The bonus tracks are from a 1950 concert recorded in San Francisco which is, without a doubt, an essential addition to Wilson's recorded legacy, and an extremely important discographic discovery. In fact, this concert has never been previously released on any format. It was originally recorded in Stereo, which was a completely new technology in 1950. ~ Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/Big-Band-Modern-Gerald-Wilson/dp/B000FTW2M0

Personnel:  Arranged By, Conductor – Gerald Wilson;  Alto Saxophone – Jerry Dodgion, Sonny Criss, Willie Smith; Baritone Saxophone – Bill Green; Bass – Addison Farmer , Red Callender;  Drums – Gus Gustafson, Lee Young;  Piano – Cedric Haywood, Gerald Wiggins; Tenor Saxophone – Frank Haynes , Paul Gonsalves , Teddy Edwards;  Tenor Saxophone [Guest] – Stan Getz , Wardell Gray, Zoot Sims;  Trombone – Atlee Chapman, Britt Woodman, Henry Coker, Isaac Bell , John Ewing , Melba Liston , Robert Wagner, Trummy Young;  Trumpet – Allen Smith, Clark Terry, Ernie Royal, Gerald Wilson, John Anderson , Louis Grey , Walter Williams

Big Band Modern