Spotlighting Zoot Sims and Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis o n tenor saxophones, along with Oscar Peterson, Niels-Henning Orsted Pederson and Louis Bellson, The Tenor Giants-Featuring Oscar Peterson was originally recorded at a performance during a 1975 tour of Europe. Opening to a swinging 1924 composition, “The man I love”, this lively album includes a mix of high-spirited tunes and smooth, short ballads.
The Sims/Davis tenor “dialogue” is full of life, and Peterson’s rich piano performance is a delight to listen to. Look for an upbeat rendition of the 1942 jazzy favorite “There will Never be Another You”, featuring a full-fledged solo by Davis. The music of “The Tenor Giants” evokes mental pictures of exciting nightclubs and enticing tête-à-têtes, with an undertone of zesty humor.
This is an album that everyone will enjoy, whether they are true jazz aficionados or simple music lovers, as I am. Heartfelt and sassy, this music will make you feel like dancing (I am moving to the rhythms of “Out of Nowhere” in front of my computer, as I am writing this) and will leave you with a smile on your face.
