Very Saxy cover

Very Saxy

Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis · 1959

38 min · 5 tracks · jazz

A vibrant showcase of fiery saxophone solos and rhythmic interplay, blending traditional jazz with an energetic flair.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Very Saxy — The title track epitomizes Davis's dynamic style, featuring intricate solos that highlight his technical skill and deep emotional expression.
  • →
    Lester Leaps In — This track pays homage to Lester Young with playful improvisations and a lively rhythm section that exemplifies the spirit of the era.
  • →
    Foot Pattin' — With its infectious groove and engaging call-and-response segments, this track captures the vibrant interplay between the musicians, making it a standout performance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album features strong saxophone-led compositions with vibrant arrangements, showcasing Davis's improvisational skills.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features a prominent saxophone melody, immediately establishing the energetic tone.
  • Each track showcases extended solos, with the saxophone often taking the lead while the rhythm section provides dynamic support.
  • The arrangements include call-and-response sections between the saxophone and other instruments, creating a lively interplay throughout.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • fiery saxophone solos that energize
  • dynamic rhythms for spontaneous dancing
  • long tracks with engaging improvisation
  • playful interactions between musicians

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, short songs
  • want subdued background music

Where this album fits

Career context
By 1959, Eddie 'Lockjaw' Davis had established himself as a prominent figure in the jazz scene, known for his powerful tenor saxophone playing. 'Very Saxy' was released during a prolific period for Davis, following his acclaimed album 'The Tenor Scene' from 1956, further solidifying his reputation as a leading jazz artist.
Stylistic neighbors
Sonny Rollins· Stan Getz· Dexter Gordon

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Very Saxy 8:10
  • 2 Lester Leaps In 6:08
  • 3 Fourmost 5:07
  • 4 Foot Pattin' 8:50
  • 5 Light and Lovely 9:50

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata