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Teddy Plays Eddie: The Music of Eddie Harris
The Tedd Baker Quartet celebrates the music of the great Eddie Harris! One of Baker’s many influences, Eddie’s sounds on the saxophone, his compositions, publications, and the stories surrounding him, are “near and dear… His music is as current now as when first released.” Eddie played the original Keystone Korner many times, and “All The Way Live” was recorded there with organ great Jimmy Smith. Baker has gotten to know the Harris family over the years and asked permission to present this program. Join the fun for an evening of exciting music with very special guests!
The Band:
Tedd Baker ~ saxophone
Harry Appelman ~ piano & organ
Hamilton Price ~ bass
Quincy Phillips ~ drums
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A jazz vocalist who has brought authenticity and vitality to every song regardless of genre. As an educator she has taught at the Manhattan School of Music and the California Jazz Conservancy.
She has seven compact discs, three Grammy nominations, and Downbeat Magazine 2016 Critic’s Poll #1 Rising Star Female Vocalist.
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Summer Jazz Jam curated by trumpeter Al Strong in the cocktail bar and lounge.
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The Sound Of The Wide Open Spaces ~ James Clay and David “Fathead” Newman | By Eddie Carter
This morning’s album from the library brings together two Texas tenor saxophonists for the first of two recordings together. The Sound of The Wide Open Spaces (Riverside RLP 12-327/RLP 1148) is a 1960 release that marks the debut of James Clay and the second album by David “Fathead” Newman. The album’s title refers to the vast landscape of the Lone Star state. This hard bop blowing session allows both musicians to have a superb showcase in which to work. Wynton Kelly on piano, Sam Jones on bass, and Arthur Taylor on drums complete the quintet. My copy is the 1986 U.S. Original Jazz Classics Stereo reissue (Riverside OJC-257).
The quintet starts Side One with the opening ensemble to Wide Open Spaces by Babs Gonzales. David gets right down to business first. James takes the baton and gives an exhilarating interpretation; then Wynton comes in for a spirited reading. Clay and Newman return to share an energetic exchange ahead of the closing chorus. The front line eases up on the gas to begin They Can’t Take That Away From Me by George and Ira Gershwin. James steps into the opening statement with extreme confidence. David returns the compliment on the following reading, and then Wynton closes things out with masterful ease, leading to the theme’s reprise and ending.
Side Two begins with the rhythm section’s introduction to Some Kinda Mean by Keter Betts ahead of the front line’s laid-back theme. James is up first and moves leisurely through the opening solo. David is equally easygoing in the following reading. Wynton’s carefree interpretation precedes the theme’s restatement and the trio’s climax. James switches to the flute for the Johnny Burke, Bob Haggart standard, What’s New? The trio opens gently ahead of David’s tender melody. James leads the way with an emotionally sensitive statement. Wynton comes in next for a beautiful reading, and David delivers a gorgeous finale leading to the polite ending.
Figger-ration by Babs Gonzales takes off with the rhythm section’s quick introduction to the front line’s brisk melody. David is off to the races in the opening solo, then James takes a vigorous romp next. Wynton illustrates his agility in the following interpretation. Sam takes a short walk leading to a vigorous exchange by both horns ahead of the reprise and close. Julian “Cannonball” Adderley produced The Sound of The Wide Open Spaces and Jack Higgins was the recording engineer. The sound quality of this OJC reissue is exceptional, with an excellent soundstage allowing the instruments to come through your speakers vibrantly, as if the musicians are playing in front of your sweet spot, providing an immersive experience for the listener.
The Sound of The Wide Open Spaces by James Clay and David “Fathead” Newman is an overlooked, but wonderful album that, in my opinion, is a perfect place to start if you’re beginning your journey into either musician’s discography. Its got good tunes with great solos by five remarkable musicians who together have created an album that should appeal to any jazz collector and become a welcome addition to any jazz fan’s library!
~They Can’t Take That Away From Me, What’s New? – Source: Jazz Standards.com © 2024 by Edward Thomas Carter
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