Best Of (Remastered) Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis

• 1 Very Saxy (Remastered) 08:18
• 2 Lester Leaps In (Remastered) 06:15
• 3 Fourmost (Remastered) 05:25
• 4 Foot Pattin' (Remastered) 08:53
• 5 Light and Lovely (Remastered) 09:55
• Total Runtime 38:46

Info for Best Of (Remastered)

Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis began playing professionally a few months after he bought his first saxophone. Born in New York City in 1921, he worked at Clark Monroe's Uptown House before joining Cootie Williams' big band in 1942. Engagements followed with Lucky Millinder, Andy Kirk and Louis Armstrong. In 1945 he formed his own small group and began an off-and-on engagement lasting several years at Minton's in New York. During this significant period in the history of jazz, both Monroe's and Minton's were regarded as testing grounds for the new bop music. Davis joined Count Basie for the first time in 1952, returning to him again in 1957 and 1965. Between these engagements he was very much responsible for popularizing the organ and tenor group, employing first Doc Bagby and then Shirley Scott as organists. He also enjoyed considerable success as co-leader with Johnny Griffin of a band...

Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis

Digitally remastered

Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis
Possessor of a cutting and immediately identifiable tough tenor tone, Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis could hold his own in a saxophone battle with anyone. Early on, he picked up experience playing with the bands of Cootie Williams (1942-1944), Lucky Millinder, Andy Kirk (1945-1946), and Louis Armstrong. He began heading his own groups from 1946 and Davis’ earliest recordings as a leader tended to be explosive R&B affairs with plenty of screaming from his horn; he matched wits successfully with Fats Navarro on one session. Davis was with Count Basie’s Orchestra on several occasional (including 1952-1953, 1957, and 1964-1973) and teamed up with Shirley Scott’s trio during 1955-1960. During 1960-1962, he collaborated in some exciting performances and recordings with Johnny Griffin, a fellow tenor who was just as combative as Davis. After temporarily retiring to become a booking agent (1963-1964), Davis rejoined Basie. In his later years, Lockjaw often recorded with Harry “Sweets” Edison and he remained a busy soloist up until his death. Through the decades, he recorded as a leader for many labels, including Savoy, Apollo, Roost, King, Roulette, Prestige/Jazzland/Moodsville, RCA, Storyville, MPS, Black & Blue, Spotlite, SteepleChase, Pablo, Muse, and Enja. (Scott Yanow, AMG)

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