Teddy Edwards had not made a recording as a leader for quite a while at the time of this 1974 studio session for Muse, though after hearing this recording, one wonders why it took so long for someone to sign him. Focusing primarily on originals that mix hard bop and soul-jazz with a slight Latin flavor, the tenor saxophonist leads a fine sextet that includes trumpeter Conte Candoli, pianist Dolo Coker, bassist Ray Brown, drummer Frank Butler, and percussionist Jerry Steinholz. "Bear Tracks" is a soulful, loping tune ...
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Teddy Edwards had not made a recording as a leader for quite a while at the time of this 1974 studio session for Muse, though after hearing this recording, one wonders why it took so long for someone to sign him. Focusing primarily on originals that mix hard bop and soul-jazz with a slight Latin flavor, the tenor saxophonist leads a fine sextet that includes trumpeter Conte Candoli, pianist Dolo Coker, bassist Ray Brown, drummer Frank Butler, and percussionist Jerry Steinholz. "Bear Tracks" is a soulful, loping tune inspired by a local boogie woogie pianist that he heard. Edwards' gentle bossa nova "April Love" is easygoing yet features some of his best soloing of the date. Brown contributed the sassy, rather tricky bop vehicle "Ritta Ditta Blues," in which he switches to playing arco for the introduction. The only standard is a powerful rendition of "Georgia on My Mind" that showcases the leader and Condoli's muted horn. Long out of print, this disc is well worth acquiring. ~ Ken Dryden, Rovi
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