Tenor saxophonist Teddy Edwards' debut for Contemporary (which has been reissued on CD in the OJC series) gives listeners a strong sampling of the underrated tenor's talents.
Edwards, a contemporary of
Dexter Gordon and
Wardell Gray but sometimes overlooked due to his decision to spend most of his life living in Los Angeles, is showcased on a quartet set with the obscure but talented pianist
Joe Castro, bassist
Leroy Vinnegar, and drummer
Billy Higgins. Performing three standards, three originals (of which "Higgins' Hideaway" is most memorable), and Hampton Hawes' "The Sermon,"
Edwards has a chance to stretch out and he makes the most of the opportunity, creating some excellent straight-ahead music.