Teddy Edwards - The Inimitable Teddy Edwards

2016 reissue

The underrated tenor great Teddy Edwards had only recorded one album as a leader during before he made this Xanadu date, and he would have to wait around for four years before his next session. The neglect had much more to do with geography (he spent his career living in Los Angeles) than it did with talent. Edwards, backed by pianist Duke Jordan, bassist Larry Ridley, and drummer Freddie Waits, is in top form throughout these five standards (including his most famous original "Sunset Eyes") plus Edwards' newer piece "One on One." Whether it be "Stella by Starlight" (which has an opening tenor cadenza), a relaxed "Mean to Me" or a cooking rendition of "That Old Black Magic," this album is a superior outing.

 AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow