Search - Johnny Griffin, Eddie Lockjaw Davis :: Tough Tenors

Griffin & Davis are Two "Tough Tenors"

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 06/25/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Tough Tenors" is the first of many successful collaborative albums by tenor saxphonists Johnny Griffin and Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis. Originally recorded for the Jazzland label, and reissued on CD last year by OJC, this disc also features Junior Mance on piano, Larry Gales on bass and Ben Riley on drums. The songs, recorded on November 4 & 10, 1960, range from classic swing numbers like Lester Young's "Tickle Toes" and Fletcher Henderson's "Soft Winds" to outstanding original compositions like Bennie Green's "Funky Fluke" and the Griffin-Davis penned "Twins." While the dueling saxophone tradition is often about fierce competition and showboating, Davis and Griffin also know it is essential to have genuine musical respect and admiration to make it work well. As a result, for double-barreled tenor sax battles, "Tough Tenors" is tough to beat."

Griffin the greatest

William H. Colbert | Long Beach, CA USA | 08/29/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The solos on the cut Funky Fluke are among the greatest ever recorded. a video of this cut can be found on youtube."

In a Word...

William M. Workman | Dallas, TX | 04/02/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"...Awesome.



Two guys who never really got the recognition deserved them for their creativity, energy and passion. Let's face it - there are a lot of tenors out there. A lot of great ones. But Griffin and Jaws bring something extraordinary to the crowded space.



But more than anything, this record just bursts with urgency, soul and passion. Don't go another day without it."