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Teddy Edwards meets Donald WaldenBY LARS BJÖRN AND PIOTR MICHALOWSKITenor saxophone giant Teddy Edwards once again celebrated his birthday with a performance at the SereNgeti Ballroom in Detroit. This is a great tradition; it is quite a treat to hear a master saxophonist in such nice surroundings with top Motor City musicians. The new attraction this year was the pairing of Edwards with fellow tenorist Donald Walden. The rhythm section consisted of Rick Roe on piano, Don Mayberry on bass and George Davidson on drums. We were able to attend the first of two nights, on April 28. In his seventh decade Edwards is playing better than ever. He is not rehashing accomplishments of the past but has continued to develop his technique and his harmonic and rhythmic concept is thoroughly modern. He is a tough act to follow for any tenorist, even a skilled craftsman and innovative soloist like Donald Walden. Edwards has a muscular tone, a driving swing and more stage presence than any tenorist we can think of. His treatment of "Tenderly" was simply masterful. Edwards' intro slowly built up tension that was released when he moved into a statement of the melody that was more direct than that of any vocalist alive today. His solo, full of technical bravado, got bluesier and bluesier as the choruses piled up and the audience reaction was immediate. Walden provided an excellent foil to Edwards' muscular playing, his style is different enough for a nice contrast and he delivered several marvelously articulated solos throughout the evening. Rick Roe played with his usual swift elegance in solos and accompaniment and his contributions were obviously well received by Edwards. An added attraction for the evening was the
vocal stylings of Dee Dee McNeil. It was a joy to hear her treatment
of standards like "It Could Happen To You" and "Good Morning Heartache"
backed by ingenious phrases of two veteran saxophonists and a solid rhythm
section. We very much look forward to Edwards' next birthday!
photographs by Lars Björn |
