Requisites

The First Set: Live At Minton’s ~ Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis & Johnny Griffin | By Eddie Carter 

Up next from the library this morning is the second of four live sets at Minton’s Playhouse by The Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis~Johnny Griffin Quintet.  The album released in 1964 is titled The First Set (Prestige PR 7309/PRST 7309) and the incredible trio of Junior Mance on piano; Larry Gales on bass and Ben Riley on drums anchors both saxophonists.  The other three records are The Tenor Scene released in 1961, later reissued as The Breakfast Show in 1965.  Live! The Midnight Show came out in 1964 and The Late Show also hit the stores in 1965.  The club was founded by retired tenor saxophonist Henry Minton in 1938, becoming famous for its many jam sessions and is credited for the birth of Bebop during the forties.  It’s also known for its role in the development of modern jazz during the fifties and if you’re new to this album and both saxophonists, Eddie is featured on the left speaker and Johnny is on the right.  My copy used in this report is the 1971 Stereo reissue (PRT 7309).

The quintet starts the beat by giving the audience some heat on the album opener, Billie’s Bounce by Charlie Parker, a jazz classic written in 1945 that was named for the secretary of Dizzy’s agent, and trumpet player Billy Shaw.  The tenor men lead the rhythm section on a sizzling theme treatment.  Eddie ignites the first solo with a melodic explosion of jet-propelled verses.  Junior steps in next glowing radiantly on a luminous statement, then Johnny produces a roaring fire on the closing solo.  Both horns exchange a few more short riffs into the closing chorus.

The first of two Thelonious Monk originals, Epistrophy was written in 1941 with drummer Kenny Clarke and ends Side One.  The quintet begins the quirky theme at midtempo, then Davis kicks off the solos with a very clever interpretation illustrating his firm-tone and remarkable phrasing.  Junior makes a terrific impression on the second statement.  Griff gives the third reading a bluesy beat that’s skillfully done and Larry delivers the final solo with an artistic maturity beyond his twenty-five years.

Side Two starts with the second Monk tune, Well, You Needn’t, composed in 1944 and dedicated to jazz vocalist Charlie Beamon, who when told the tune was going to be named after him replied: “Well, you need not”.  The ensemble’s opening chorus has a contagious beat that’s suitable for dancing that Monk liked to do on stage during several of his songs. Eddie strolls along at a leisurely pace on the first solo, delivering a charmingly, cheerful performance.  Junior gets the crowd to clap along on his superbly articulate solo next, then Johnny offers a resourcefully peppy reading. Larry concludes with a vivacious presentation with Ben providing perfect time and firm beat in support.

The finale is I’ll Remember April by Gene De Paul, Patricia Johnston, and Don Raye.  This song made its debut in the 1942 Abbott and Costello comedy, Ride ‘Em Cowboy and is one of the most popular jazz standards.  The quintet’s rendition is a fun tune to play and it swings from the start of the introduction.  Eddie wails with an assertive tone and limitless effervescence on the lead solo.  Junior cooks on the next reading with an electrifying statement, then Griff charges into the next solo with a robust workout of startling speed.  Ben gives an equally high-octane performance during the closing chorus into the climax ending a lively jazz set.

The First Set like the other three albums together documents a single night’s work by The Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis-Johnny Griffin Quintet that was recorded by Rudy Van Gelder.  Here, the legendary engineer makes magic with a beautifully recorded club performance with an excellent soundstage placing the listener in the audience for a “you are there” feeling.  The album clocks in just under thirty-five minutes, but the artistry, music, and musicianship make The First Set-Recorded Live at Minton’s an attractive acquisition that merits a serious audition and consideration for any jazz lover’s library!

~ Live! The Midnight Show (Prestige PR 7330/PRST 7330); The Breakfast Show (PR 7407/PRST 7407); The Tenor Scene (PRLP 7191); The Late Show (PR 7357/PRST 7357) – Source: Discogs.com ~ Billie’s Bounce, I’ll Remember April, Well, You Needn’t – Source: JazzStandards.com ~ Henry Minton, Minton’s Playhouse – Source: Wikipedia.org © 2020 by Edward Thomas Carter Quick Synopsis

The First Set is a live album by saxophonists Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis and Johnny Griffin recorded at Minton’s Playhouse on January 6, 1961 and released on the Prestige label in 1964. The album was the second release from the recordings at Minton’s after The Tenor Scene. The night was produced by Esmond Edwards.

Track List

  1. Billie’s Bounce (Charlie Parker) – 8:43
  2. Epistrophy (Thelonious Monk, Kenny Clarke) – 7:17
  3. Well, You Needn’t (Monk) – 8:58
  4. I’ll Remember April (Gene de Paul, Patricia Johnston, Don Raye) – 8:05
The Players
  • Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, Johnny Griffin – tenor saxophone
  • Junior Mance – piano
  • Larry Gales – bass
  • Ben Riley – drums

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