Requisites
Out Of This World ~ Teddy Edwards Quartet | By Eddie Carter
In this morning’s discussion from the library, the Teddy Edwards Quartet comes to play with their delightful 1981 release, Out of This World (SteepleChase Records SCS 1147). Theodore Marcus Edwards was born in Jackson, Mississippi, and comes from a musical family. His father and grandfather were both musicians, and he began playing the alto sax and clarinet at an early age before taking up the tenor sax. He later recorded and played with many great jazz musicians and has an extensive discography as a leader and sideman. He’s joined on this date by an excellent rhythm section, Kenny Drew on piano, Jesper Lundġard on bass, and Billy Hart on drums. My copy is the original U.S. Stereo pressing.
Side One opens with No Name No. 1, the saxophonist’s first of two original tunes. The ensemble starts with a rollicking groove on the opening chorus; then Teddy takes flight with a bright, boppish interpretation. Kenny comes in with a passionate performance; next, Jesper walks his bass briskly. Billy has a short conversation with Teddy leading to the theme’s restatement and abrupt stop. The pace eases the tempo slower for Edwards’ April Love. It’s a pretty song that the trio introduces before the leader steps up to deliver the beautiful theme and opening statement. Drew comes in next with an attractive interpretation complemented by Lundġard and Hart’s foundation preceding the ending theme and summation.
The title tune, Out of This World, by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer, debuted in the 1945 romantic comedy of the same name. The quartet swings the melody at a medium beat. Teddy lifts the opening solo to new heights of virtuosity. Kenny follows with a dazzling display of finger dexterity, then Jesper briefly comments ahead of the closing, and the trio dissolves into silence. Summertime by George Gershwin and DuBose Heyward begins Side Two with Teddy’s introduction, which branches into the foursome’s lovely theme. Edwards tells a wonderful story in two gorgeous readings. In between them, Drew presents a statement of great sensitivity. Lundġard matches them in melodic ideas in the closer before Edwards delivers the reprise, and the foursome disappears softly.
The quartet opens another page of The Great American Songbook with That’s All by Alan Brandt and Bob Haymes. It comes to life with Kenny’s deceptively simple introduction and Teddy’s soothing theme. The saxophonist’s opening statement is rendered with incredible beauty and enchantment. Kenny has a brief moment to present an especially warm solo preceding the leader’s return. Cheek To Cheek by Irving Berlin is from the 1935 film Top Hat and concludes the album on an upbeat note. Hart opens with a brisk introduction, setting the stage for Edwards to take off on a spirited melody and opening statement of zestful virtuosity. Drew has the next spot for an equally lively performance, and Hart ends in an enthusiastic whirlwind before Teddy reappears to wrap it up.
Nils Winther produced Out of This World, and Freddy Hansson was the man behind the dials of the recording. The album has a stunning soundstage, and each instrument is captured perfectly. The highs sparkle, the midrange is clean and crisp, and the bass is solid. The record is also incredibly quiet until the music starts. If you’re in the mood for an excellent Hard-Bop album, I invite you to give Out of This World by The Teddy Edwards Quartet a listen at your earliest opportunity. It’s a great album that offers a glimpse into this underrated but talented musician, and I can’t recommend it enough for a spot in your library!
~ Cheek To Cheek, Summertime, That’s All – Source: JazzStandards.com ~ Out of This World – Source: Wikipedia.org © 2023 by Edward Thomas Carter
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JOE ADERIES QUINTET
The Joe Anderies Quintet was formed from summer and fall yard concerts during 2020/21. From these sessions Joe pulled together a full on album project featuring the group and original compositions (influenced by Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Hubert Laws and Lyle Mays). From hard driving swing to Latin and contemporary sounds, the Joe Anderies Quintet will deliver a joyful and revitalizing experience! Don’t miss out on this special night.
Joe Anderies is a longtime Denver flutist, saxophonist and music educator. Over the years Joe has developed cutting edge jazz education programs for elementary through high school students. His vision to connect tradition with the young and upcoming players continues to grow as he enters his 5th year as a board member of the Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts and his 23rd year in the organization as a teacher and advisor. Joe did his formal study at Colorado Mesa Univ, University of North Texas, Metro State Univ, and CU Boulder masters of music program. Joe has recorded and performed with artists such as Larry Coryell, Ron Miles, Chuck Lamb, Bennie Maupin and Rob Mullins.
Gonzalo Teppa – bass, Alex Heffron – guitar, Eric Gunnison – piano, Joe Anderies – alto flute, saxophone.
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CHARLES MCPHERSON QUINTET
84th Birthday Celebration
Charles McPherson [alto saxophone]
Javon Jackson [tenor saxophone]
Amy Shook [bass]
Jeb Patton [piano]
Billy Drummond [drums]
For more than 60 years, saxophonist Charles McPherson has been one of the most expressive and highly regarded voices in jazz. His rich musical style, rooted in the blues and bebop, has influenced and inspired generations of musicians and listeners. Wynton Marsalis, a longtime admirer says: “Charles is the very definition of excellence in our music. He is the definitive master on this instrument. He plays with exceptional harmonic accuracy and sophistication. He performs free-flowing, melodic and thematically developed solos with unbelievable fire and an unparalleled depth of soul.”
A former member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers who also put in time with such jazz giants, Javon Jackson keeps the fires burning for straight ahead jazz.
Amy Shook is one of the most in-demand acoustic bassists in the mid-Atlantic, coveted for her huge sound and infectious, driving groove. In addition to being a premier performing and recording artist, she is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist (playing acoustic bass, electric bass, violin, viola, and cello), composer and music educator.
Jeb Patton, described as both a “young phenomon… on piano” and an “absolute great,” has earned a well-regarded reputation in the international jazz community. The multi-talented Patton is known as a “player of great expression.”
Billy Drummond is acclaimed by Downbeat as one of the hippest and versatile bandleaders now at work, his thrilling, powerful and highly musical playing has also made him one of the most called-for sidemen of his generation.
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Three Wishes
The Baroness was having a conversation with Archie Shepp when she brought up the topic of three wishes and asked him what his would be. He responded by telling her:
- “To be free of poverty.”
- “I don’t know the next.”
- “To be free.”
*Excerpt from Three Wishes: An Intimate Look at Jazz Greats ~ Compiled and Photographed by Pannonica de Koenigswarter
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