- Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis with Shirley Scott – Moodsville, Volume 4 !
- Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis with Shirley Scott "Moodsville, Volume 4" 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl LP !
- Prestige Moodsville – Acoustic Sounds Series – Craft Recordings !
- AAA All-Analog Mastering from the Original Analog Tapes by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab !
- Pressed at Quality Record Pressings (QRP) !
- Faithfully Reproduced Tip-On Jacket !
- Original Recording Engineered by Rudy Van Gelder !
- Stereo Edition !
A magnificent celebration of soulful tenor saxophone, lyrical piano and timeless jazz elegance, bringing together two legendary musicians in one of the most intimate recordings of their remarkable partnership.
Originally released in 1960 on Prestige Records' celebrated Moodsville label, Moodsville, Volume 4 presents the great tenor saxophonist Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis alongside the extraordinary Shirley Scott in a beautifully atmospheric collection of eight jazz standards.
Renowned for his powerful, blues-inflected tenor saxophone sound, commanding musical personality and exceptional improvisational abilities, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis was one of the most distinctive saxophonists of his generation. His rich, expressive tone and unmistakable phrasing made him an outstanding interpreter of both energetic swing and deeply emotional ballads.
Shirley Scott, widely celebrated as one of the finest Hammond organists in jazz history, reveals a different side of her remarkable artistry on this recording. Performing exclusively on acoustic piano, she provides a delicate, harmonically sophisticated accompaniment that perfectly complements Davis's warm and expressive tenor saxophone.
Recorded on January 31, 1960, at Rudy Van Gelder's legendary studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, the album features an exceptional quartet with George Duvivier on double bass and Arthur Edgehill on drums. Produced by Esmond Edwards, this memorable session captures four accomplished musicians exploring the romantic and introspective qualities of classic jazz standards.
The result is an album of extraordinary warmth, subtlety and musical refinement, distinguished by the beautiful contrast between Davis's commanding saxophone tone and Scott's understated piano playing.
The album opens with "Serenade in Blue", establishing an atmosphere of intimate sophistication through Davis's expressive melodic interpretation and Scott's beautifully restrained accompaniment.
"It Could Happen to You" continues this elegant musical journey, showcasing the saxophonist's remarkable ability to transform a familiar standard into a deeply personal statement. His flowing improvisations and subtle rhythmic variations are supported by the quartet's impeccable musical sensitivity.
On "What's New", Davis delivers a particularly moving performance, exploring the composition's melancholic character with exceptional warmth and emotional depth. Shirley Scott's delicate piano voicings provide an ideal setting for his lyrical expression.
"I Cover the Waterfront" concludes the first side with another beautifully atmospheric interpretation, combining the saxophonist's rich tonal colours with the rhythm section's relaxed and sophisticated accompaniment.
The second side opens with "The Man I Love", a timeless Gershwin composition interpreted with remarkable tenderness and elegance. Davis's expressive tenor saxophone and Scott's sensitive piano accompaniment create a captivating musical dialogue.
"Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" offers another magnificent example of the quartet's ability to communicate profound emotion through melodic simplicity. Davis's beautifully controlled phrasing brings warmth and intimacy to this enduring standard.
On "The Very Thought of You", the musicians explore the composition's romantic atmosphere with exquisite sensitivity. The interaction between saxophone, piano, bass and drums demonstrates the extraordinary musical understanding shared by these accomplished performers.
The album concludes with "Man With a Horn", a fitting tribute to the expressive possibilities of the tenor saxophone. Davis's distinctive sound and the quartet's elegant interplay provide a memorable conclusion to this exceptional recording.
Throughout Moodsville, Volume 4, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis and Shirley Scott demonstrate that their remarkable musical partnership extends far beyond the energetic, blues-driven performances for which they became famous. Their restrained interpretations reveal a profound appreciation of melody, harmony and emotional expression.
Presented in the prestigious Moodsville Acoustic Sounds Series, this exceptional audiophile reissue features AAA all-analog mastering from the original analog tapes by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab.
Pressed on 180 gram vinyl at Quality Record Pressings (QRP) and housed in a faithfully reproduced tip-on jacket, this edition offers a wonderful opportunity to rediscover the warmth, intimacy and timeless musical beauty of this outstanding Prestige recording.
An essential album for admirers of classic jazz, soulful tenor saxophone, intimate piano performances and exceptional audiophile vinyl reissues.