ZOOT SIMS & EDDIE "LOCKJAW" DAVIS
The Tenor Giants (Pablo)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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This disc features 8 performances from a 1975 tour which found the two great tenor men traveling Europe with the Oscar Peterson Trio, which at the time featured bassist Niels-Henning Orsted Pederson and drummer Louis Bellson. With a rhythm section as distinguished as that, the tenor pair were free to go wherever the music took them, knowing they would be supported and augmented along the way.

The resulting music is a treat from beginning to end, whether Sims and Davis are locked in battle or sharing features. Of course, whenever they pause for breath, the treat becomes Oscar Peterson's piano. As great as his trio music is, Peterson was often at his best in a supporting role, and that's definitely the case here. Bellson was an infrequent member of the Peterson Trio, which seems surprising as we hear how superbly his style complements Peterson on these cuts. Neils-Henning Orsted Pederson was more familiar in Peterson Trio lineups, and always with excellent results.

This is first and foremost dedicated to the two late, great tenor players on top of the bill, and neither disappoints. The tracks are culled from five separate dates on the tour, and in each case they cause simultaneous joy at the music performed and regret that even more recordings of these appearances haven't survived. No matter, Pablo has made these available and in doing so has made a valuable contribution to the catalogs of all the artists involved.

Track List:

The Man I Love * My Old Flame * Don't Worry 'Bout Me * There Will Never Be Another You * (I Don't Stand) A Ghost Of A Chance * Tangerine * Out Of Nowhere * Groovin' High

© 2001 - Shaun Dale