the two tenor masters reunite for a highly-spirited, swinging session, graced by some ballads. Unique packaging!

'Not the most publicised, but one of the most productive' - that's how Mike Hennessey puts it in his liner notes for this CD when he comes to describe the partnership of Eddie Davis and Johnny Griffin. Their original teaming-up dates back to 1960. The two personalities of the 'Tough Tenors' were considerably different: Eddie was said to be a conscientious man, a worker who knew about his obligations, whereas Johnny rather lived for the day and was a notorious latecomer.
Beginning of the 70ies Davis was playing with the Kenny Clarke-Francy Boland Big Band and had already recorded the 'Sax No End' album for SABA (later: MPS). Since then it was producer Gigi Campi's dream to bring Griffin to the band to ignite a reunion of the unequal sax wizards. In April 1970 Campi decided not to record the whole big band as a backing, but to go back to the proven quintet line-up which now consisted of Francy Boland (p), Jimmy Woode (b) and Kenny Clarke (dr).
The result of the sessions are compelling for every tenor lover as Davis & Griffin tie in with their Prestige legacy easily. The infectious groove of the opening 'Again 'N' Again' with the double lead line marks a breathtaking prelude. In the epic 'Tin Tin Deo' some darker - and very manly - moods are displayed, adding an exciting new perspective to the version divulged by Dizzy Gillespie. The first surprise comes in shape of 'If I Had You', when Davis withdraws to a languishing late-night ballad in Ben Webster style. 'Jim Dawg' is a brilliantly swinging classic written by 'Lockjaw' himself - and a great chance for the listener to study the different styles of improvisation of Eddie and Johnny, as he can do in 'Gigi' which delivers a bit more raucous undertone. Anyway, the biggest revelation to the audience could be the second ballad of this album: With 'When We Were One', Johnny Griffin, the wild man, unexpectedly shows his well-hidden romantic trait. Unique vinyl-like cardboard packaging and re-mastering.

Track Listing

• Again 'n' Again
• Tin Tin Deo
• If I Had You
• Jim Dawg
• When We Were One
• Gigi

Additional Details

Label: Promising Music/HGBS

Genre: Jazz

Run Time: 39:58 mins

Region: 0

Release Date: 08/07/12

UPC: 602537004362