Harry "Sweets" Edison and
Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis always made for a logical combination for both had immediately recognizable sounds and could say an awful lot with one note. This early collaboration (reissued on CD), their first joint recording, finds the pair joined by pianist Hugh Lawson, bassist Ike Isaacs and drummer Clarence Johnston. The repertoire (three basic
Edison originals plus five jazz standards) serves as strong vehicles for swinging solos with highlights including "Broadway," "Four" and "A Gal in Calico." Easily recommended to straightahead jazz fans as are the later Sweets-Lockjaw recordings. ~ Scott Yanow