Listening to Prestige 285: Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis - Shirley Scott

If the tenor sax-Hammond organ combination sounded a bit like a novelty the first time, it surely doesn't by this time. And Scott and Davis are so attuned to each other that they sound like an old married couple (which they aren't, although the later pairing of Scott and Turrentine will be). They can finish each other's thoughts, they can anticipate each other's moods. And they were getting people to listen, on the jukeboxes as well as in the clubs. Four different 45s were released out of this session.

Esmond Edwards is back as producer, as he was for their first session. The songs are standards for the most part. Since they recorded 16 tunes on this one recording date, they had enough for two albums, with a few left over to go onto one of their later Cookbook albums and a Prestige compilation album. The first release, Jaws, was all standards, plus a recent hit, "Too Close for Comfort," from the Sammy Davis. Jr., Broadway vehicle, Mr. Wonderful. It was on the shelves at Sam Goody's and on the jukeboxes around town before the year was out. The title tune of the album was a Davis original, and it wasn't the title tune of the album--"Jaws" was held off until the second release. Smokin', in 1964, which mixed standards with three by Davis and a Randy Weston tune, "Hi-Fly," which would become a jazz standard and was from a later recording session. Steven Spielberg probably did not know about the Davis title, and he was probably happy enough with John Williams, but it would have made an interesting addition to the movie.

It's just the four of them this time. They continue to work with George Duvivier and Arthur Edgehill, and a good thing, too. Duvivier, in particular, makes some striking contributions. This is music that's catchy and soulful and audience-pleasing...just like rhythm and blues, which as we know, is an equally important jazz genre.

The 45s, in order of release, were "Tangerine" / "I'll Never Be The Same," "Old Devil Moon" / "Body And Soul," "I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart" / "You Stepped Out Of A Dream," "Willow Weep For Me" / "Stardust." I'm a little surprised they didn't release "Too Close for Comfort" as a single.

Order Listening to Prestige Vol 2

Listening to Prestige Vol. 2, 1954-1956 is here! You can order your signed copy or copies through the link above.

Tad Richards will strike a nerve with all of us who were privileged to have lived thru the beginnings of bebop, and with those who have since fallen under the spell of this American phenomenon…a one-of-a-kind reference book, that will surely take its place in the history of this music.

                                                                                                                                                --Dave Grusin

An important reference book of all the Prestige recordings during the time period. Furthermore, Each song chosen is a brilliant representation of the artist which leaves the listener free to explore further. The stories behind the making of each track are incredibly informative and give a glimpse deeper into the artists at work.

                                                                                                                --Murali Coryell