Smokin'
Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis · 1964
35 min · 7 tracks · jazz
A vibrant fusion of hard bop and soulful rhythms, showcasing Davis's masterful saxophone with a playful energy throughout.
Top tracks — play these first
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High Fry — The opening track sets an energetic tone with intricate saxophone melodies and captivating rhythms, establishing the album's vibrant character.
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Smoke This — This track showcases Davis's improvisational skills, blending smooth lines with rhythmic complexity, making it a highlight of his artistry.
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Pennies From Heaven — A reinterpretation of a classic tune, this piece combines soulful expression with dynamic instrumentation, illustrating Davis's versatility.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases strong compositions and lively performances, though it doesn't fully stand out in the broader jazz landscape.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of call-and-response between the saxophone and the rhythm section, creating a dynamic interplay.
- Each track maintains a brisk tempo, with only one song, 'It's A Blue World', slowing down significantly to provide contrast.
- The arrangements often include layered horn sections that complement Davis's saxophone lines, enhancing the overall texture.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- playful energy in each track
- short bursts of lively rhythms
- catchy melodies for sing-alongs
- dynamic interplay among musicians
Maybe skip if you
- want lengthy, introspective pieces
- prefer subdued, mellow sounds
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1964, Smokin' was Eddie 'Lockjaw' Davis's follow-up to the critically acclaimed album The Eddie Davis Cookbook. At this point in his career, Davis was solidifying his position as a prominent figure in jazz, blending traditional styles with modern influences and performing alongside renowned musicians like Shirley Scott.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sonny Rollins· Stan Getz· Dexter Gordon
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 High Fry 6:13
- 2 Smoke This 6:04
- 3 Pennies From Heaven 5:13
- 4 Pots And Pans 3:27
- 5 Jaws 5:28
- 6 It's A Blue World 5:01
- 7 Blue Lou 3:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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