Teddy Edwards

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Theodore Marcus "Teddy" Edwards (April 26, 1924 – April 20, 2003) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist based on the West Coast of the US.

Edwards was born in Jackson, Mississippi. He learned to play at a very early age, first on alto saxophone and then clarinet. Edwards' first professional job was with The Royal Mississippians with Doc Parmley.

His uncle sent for him to come to Detroit to live because he felt opportunities were better. Due to illness in the family, he went back to Jackson and ventured to Alexandria, Louisiana. He was persuaded by Ernie Fields to join his band after going to Tampa, Florida. Teddy had planned to go to New York, but Ernie Fields convinced him he could get there by way of Washington, DC if he worked with his band. Teddy ended up at the Club Alabam on Central Ave. in Los Angeles, which later became his city of residence.

Teddy Edwards has played with many Jazz notables, including his personal friend Charlie Parker, Roy Milton, Wynonie Harris, Vince Guaraldi, and Ernie Andrews. A classic 1947 recording with Dexter Gordon, The Duel, helped set him up as a legend, a status he liked to maintain by challenging other worthy sax players to similar duels whenever possible, including a recording with Houston Person. One such memorable duel took place in the 80s at London's 100 Club with British tenor Dick Morrissey.

In 1964, Edwards played with Benny Goodman at Disneyland, and at the 1964 New York World's Fair.

[edit] Discography

1947 The Foremost

1948 Central Avenue Breakdown

1959 Sunset Eyes

1959 It's About Time

1960 Teddy's Ready

1960 Back to Avalon

1961 Together Again!

1961 Good Gravy!

1962 Heart and Soul

1966 Nothin' But the Truth!

1967 It's All Right

1974 Feelin's

1976 The Inimitable Teddy Edwards (Xanadu Records)

1980 Out of This World

1981 Good Gravy [live]

1991 Mississippi Lad

1992 Blue Saxophone

1994 Horn to Horn

1997 Midnight Creeper

1999 Close Encounters

2001 Ladies Man

2003 Smooth Sailing

[edit] External links

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