If one feels their music getting a bit stale, perhaps a little too predictable, then they have a couple choices. They can dig back into their roots to reconnect with the music they love, or they can go head to head with a counterpoint in an effort to create sparks.
Johnny Griffin and
Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis choose the latter course in
Tough Tenors, turning a half-dozen pieces into an enticing mix of edgy solos and synchronized ensemble playing. The fun stuff here bops along at a giddy pace, letting
Griffin and
Davis trade their tough leads, while pianist
Junior Mance offers a slight pause with his swift keyboarding.
Lester Young's "Tickle Toe" kicks off the affair with aplomb, and
Davis/
Griffin's "Twins" provides plenty of room for explosive solo work. The album's center rests with the nine-minute take on
Bennie Green's "Flunky Flute," a spontaneous piece that eventually -- because of the players' intensity -- becomes an endurance test. The medium tempo of "Soft Winds" qualifies as a ballad for these guys, and the mellow groove makes it an easygoing closer. Bassist
Larry Gales and drummer
Ben Riley also do a fine job of keeping this boisterous crew on the ground.
Tough Tenors is one of the many amazing jazz recordings from 1960, and will please saxophone fans,
Davis/
Griffin fans, and anyone who enjoys classic hard bop. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.