Requisites

Good Gravy ~ Teddy Edwards Quartet | By Eddie Carter

I’ve been a fan of Teddy Edwards for many years, and he’s become one of my favorite tenor saxophonists. This morning’s choice from the library is a recent acquisition taking us to The Bimhuis Concert Hall in Amsterdam for a live performance to enjoy some Good Gravy (Timeless SJP 139) by The Teddy Edwards Quartet. Teddy was born in Jackson, Mississippi, and began playing the alto sax and clarinet at an early age, before taking up the tenor sax. He first played with trombonist Ernie Fields, and his first recording was a 1947 date with Dexter Gordon. Teddy also played and recorded with some of the greatest musicians in jazz, resulting in an extensive discography as a leader and sideman. The supporting cast is a marvelous Dutch trio, Rein De Graaff on piano, Henk Haverhoek on bass, and John Engels on drums. My copy used in this report is the 1984 Netherlands Stereo album.

Lady Be Good aka Oh, Lady Be Good by George and Ira Gershwin is from the Broadway musical of the same name. The trio opens Side One with a pleasant introduction, segueing into a collective bluesy theme that swings soulfully. Teddy takes the first spot at an easy speed then turns the tempo up for some down-home country cooking. Rein heightens the excitement on the second reading with cat-like precision. Teddy makes a few final comments before the group’s closing theme and enthusiastic ovation from the crowd. Oleo by Sonny Rollins begins with a brief dialogue between the tenor sax and piano, then accelerates quickly into the ensemble’s melody. Edwards takes flight first with an aggressive lead solo. De Graaff dispenses an elevated level of energy next, and Engels shares a vigorous exchange with Edwards before having a moment in the spotlight.

Georgia aka Georgia on My Mind is a classic standard by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell. It became the official state song after Ray Charles’ indelible rendition. A brief trio introduction opens the way for Teddy’s delicately gentle melody. He then delivers a beautiful opening solo that’s warm, full-toned, and sensuous. Rein speaks softly and reflectively on the next statement, then Teddy restates the melody with a touch of romantic lyricism into the smartly executed ending. Good Gravy, a mid tempo blues by Edwards was first heard on his 1961 album, and the ensemble starts the opening chorus leisurely. Edwards kicks off the first interpretation cheerfully. De Graaff steps into the second statement with a relaxing reading. Haverhoek makes a profound impression on his first solo ahead of the reprise, introductions of the group, and a few humorous announcements by Edwards.

Good Gravy was produced by Timeless Records founder, Wim Wigt, and recorded by Henk Elzinga. I was extremely impressed with the sound quality of this live recording. It has an exquisite soundstage that’s clear as fine crystal, and this record is silent until the music starts. You’re not just listening to the musicians playing, you’re in the Bimhuis audience watching the quartet’s performance, and they swing on all the cuts. If you’re a fan of Teddy Edwards, I invite you to check out Good Gravy on your next hunt for vinyl treasure. It’s an enjoyable live session that knocks it out of the park and deserves to be better known!

~ Good Gravy (Contemporary Records M 3592/S 7592); The Foremost! (Onyx #201) – Source: Discogs.com >~ Oh, Lady Be Good, Oleo, Georgia on My Mind – Source: JazzStandards.com © 2021 by Edward Thomas Carter

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