Teddy Edwards: Sunset Eyes (Pacific Jazz) (Blue Note Tone Poet Series) 1LP

Blue Note, 1960

A little-known tenor saxophonist deserving of much wider recognition, Teddy Edwards made two Pacific Jazz albums including 1960’s impressive Sunset Eyes, a showcase for his rich, powerful, full-blooded sound that dispels any preconceived notions that all West Coast jazz musicians maintained a uniformly placid musical demeanor. The album was drawn from three recording sessions with three different quartets including Edwards’ working band at the time with pianist Joe Castro, bassist Leroy Vinnegar, and drummer Billy Higgins. Also featured are pianists Ronnie Ball and Amos Trice, bassist Ben Tucker, and drummer Al Levitt. Highlights of the set include Edwards penned originals like the opener “Tempo de Blues,” “Takin’ Off,” and the title track, Vinnegar’s “Vintage ’57,” and the stunning ballad performance of “I Hear A Rhapsody.” and featured a cast of musicians including pianist Joe Castro, bassist Leroy Vinnegar, drummer Billy Higgins, and others.