THE JOHNNY GRIFFIN AND EDDIE 'LOCKJAW' DAVIS QUINTET - Tough Tenors (1960-2003) RM | FLAC (tracks), lossless

If one feels their music getting a bit stale, perhaps a little too predictable, then they have a couple choices. They can dig back into their roots to reconnect with the music they love, or they can go head to head with a counterpoint in an effort to create sparks. Johnny Griffin and Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis choose the latter course in Tough Tenors, turning a half-dozen pieces into an enticing mix of edgy solos and synchronized ensemble playing. The fun stuff here bops along at a giddy pace, letting Griffin and Davis trade their tough leads, while pianist Junior Mance offers a slight pause with his swift keyboarding. Lester Young's "Tickle Toe" kicks off the affair with aplomb, and Davis/Griffin's "Twins" provides plenty of room for explosive solo work. The album's center rests with the nine-minute take on Bennie Green's "Flunky Flute," a spontaneous piece that eventually -- because of the players' intensity -- becomes an endurance test. The medium tempo of "Soft Winds" qualifies as a ballad for these guys, and the mellow groove makes it an easygoing closer. Bassist Larry Gales and drummer Ben Riley also do a fine job of keeping this boisterous crew on the ground. Tough Tenors is one of the many amazing jazz recordings from 1960, and will please saxophone fans, Davis/Griffin fans, and anyone who enjoys classic hard bop. Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.
Tracklist :
1     Tickle Toe 5'30
Lester Young
2     Save Your Love for Me 7'09
Buddy Johnson
3     Twins 6'35
Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis / Johnny Griffin
4     Funky Fluke 9'16
Bernie Green
5     Imagination 4'29
Johnny Burke / James Van Heusen
6     Soft Winds 7'17
Benny Goodman / Fletcher Henderson
Credits :
Bass – Larry Gales
Drums – Ben Riley
Piano – Junior Mance
Producer – Orrin Keepnews
Remastered By – Joe Tarantino
Tenor Saxophone – Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Johnny Griffin