On July 25, 1975, tenor saxophonist Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis was on the French Riviera in Juan-les-Pins, near Antibes, to perform at the International Jazz Festival. On stage, he was teamed with the Michel Attenoux Sextet, featuring Patrick Artero (tp), Claude Gousset (tb), Michel Attenoux (as), Gabriel Garvanoff (p), Jean-Pierre Mulot (b) and Teddy Martin (d).
The performance was released as What's New?, originally on the French Mahogany label and later on Storyville. What makes this record special, in addition to Davis's tough tenor, is the songlist and the ensemble. The tracks featured songs that were off-beat for Davis and probably Attenoux's brilliant idea. Instead of the usual Lockjaw fare in the mid-1970s, you have material that he didn't typically perform or record but you wish he did. Here, he does and with enormous elan.
The songlist: Splanky, Moonlight in Vermont, Gee Baby Ain't I Good to You?, Flying Home, What Am I Here For?, What's New?, Midnite Blue, Lush Life and Shiny Stockings.
Interestingly, Attenoux (above) had performed at the Newport Jazz Festival in New York just weeks earlier on one of the festival's two boat-ride concerts. Davis also performed at the festival as a member of Lionel Hampton & His Inner Jazz Circle, featuring Milt Buckner, Davis, Panama Francis, Sarah McLawler, Richard Otto and Sylvia Syms. I'm guessing the two met there and decided to perform together in France.
Whatever the reason, we get to hear Lockjaw on Splanky, Midnight Blue, What's New?, Lush Life and Moonlight in Vermont, a most rewarding listen.
JazzWax tracks: You'll find What's New?: Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis et Michel Attenoux et Son Orchestre here.
JazzWax clips: Here's Splanky...
Here's Moonlight in Vermont...
And here's Shiny Stockings...
