Sonny Sweets and Jaws: Live at Bubbas [Live]

Sonny Sweets and Jaws: Live at Bubbas [Live]

ASIN: B0000000VT

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
Edward "Sonny" Stitt- Renowned for his great individuality, lift and driven tenor, Stitt was internationally acclaimed as one of the foremost bop alto men in the tradition of Charles Parker. His early performance with Tiny Bradshaw, Dizzy Gillespie, and Gene Ammons won him the Esquire New Star Award in 1947. Performing on tenor and alto, Stitt toured Brittan with JAPT in 1958 and '59. He appeared in the film, "Jazz on a Summer's Day" and previously recorded with Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis on "Battle of Birdland." He has appeared with Gillespie, Eldridge, the Modern Jazz Sextet, Jo Jones, and Bud Powell.

Harry "Sweets" Edison- One of the legendary great horn men, Edison pioneered the brassy big band trumpet. He attributes his virile extroverted style as a result of early experiences with jazz greats Alphonso Trent, Lucky Millinder, and the Count Basie band. He joined Basie in 1937 and remained with the band almost until its break-up in 1950. After touring with Pearl Baily and Louis Bellson, he became a regular with a Frank Sinatra's band. In addition to his appearance in the film "Jammin' the Blues" and international tours, "Sweets" has recorded with Buddy Rich, Lester Young, Billie Holiday, Illinois Jacquet, Buddy DeFranco, B. Webster, R. Brown, and Woody Herman.

Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis- Eight months after picking up a horn for the first time, Eddie Davis began working at Clark Monroe's Uptown House in Harlem. Shortly thereafter, he found himself playing with the likes of Lucky Millinder, Andy Kirk, and Louis Armstrong. After a short stint with Basie, he inaugurated a trio with organist, Shirley Scott, that remained intact for many years. Davis was one of the most original tenors in contemporary jazz and recorded with such greats as Count Basie, Bennie Green, Arnet Cobb, Gene Krupa, and Sonny Stitt.

Product Description
This album captures a slice of jazz history in the making. Three solo performers, each a legend in his own time among jazz aficionados and critics alike, joined forces for a rare series of road appearances and this recording. The teaming of Edward "Sonny" Stitt, Harry "Sweets" Edison, and Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, is one of those once in a lifetime events that add to our musical heritage. The spontaneity produced rich and spirited performances, probably never to be repeated again. The fidelity of the digital recording process has captured every nuance of the musicians' artistry. Listen and be a part of jazz history.

Tracks:

Oh, Lady Be Good
What's New
There Is No Greater Love
The Chef
I Can't Get Started With You
Lester Leaps In

Album Description

This album captures a slice of jazz history in the making. Three solo performers, each a legend in his own time among jazz aficionados and critics alike, joined forces for a rare series of road appearances and this recording. The teaming of Edward "Sonny" Stitt, Harry "Sweets" Edison, and Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, is one of those once in a lifetime events that add to our musical heritage. The spontaneity produced rich and spirited performances, probably never to be repeated again. The fidelity of the digital recording process has captured every nuance of the musicians' artistry. Listen and be a part of jazz history.

Customer Reviews:

Heavenly Session?.......2003-01-26

Sonny Stitt died July 22, 1982, and according to the liner notes "Sonny, Sweets, and Jaws" was recorded live at Bubba's on July 23, 1982. But since Bubba's is in Fort Lauderdale, the immediate context could not have been celestial.

In any case, this is most likely Sonny's last "live" recording. And since I'm a Stitt collector and have his last studio session ("The Last Sessions," recorded June 19, 1982), I thought it best to go for completeness. But this album is better than the studio session, good enough to be worthy of a place on any jazz collector's shelf. Sonny is clearly inspired by the "competition," Sweets sounds better than ever, Jaws is his usual indomitable self, and the rhythm section swings exceptionally hard all the way to the finish line (how I wish Duffy Jackson had been around to record with Oscar Peterson in the 60's).

Moreover, the thoughtful programming assures the listener's interest, no matter how many times he's heard these guys use the same licks. First, an ensemble jam (but very organized) on "Lady Be Good" changes, then a Stitt ballad followed by a Sweets swinger followed by a Jaws blues and ballad. And finally bringing the proceedings to a spirited close, another ensemble jam, this time on "I Got Rhythm" changes ("Lester Leaps In").

In short, a vibrant and victorious valedictory by three of the most distinctive, forceful voices in the history of jazz.

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music