Five of the great veteran tenor-saxophonists shared the stage on July 15, 1979 at the North Sea Jazz Festival.
With swinging support from pianist Hank Jones, bassist Gene Ramey and drummer Gus Johnson, Illinois Jacquet, Dexter Gordon, Arnett Cobb, Buddy Tate and Budd Johnson (each of whom were already quite active by the early 1940s and had illustrious careers for decades) inspired each other on a variety of standards.
The opening “Lady Be Good” features all five saxophonists making statements.
Following are ballad features for Gordon (“Laura”), Jacquet (“Ghost Of A Chance,” Budd Johnson (“Alone Together”) and Cobb (“Deep Purple”); “She’s Got It” has Tate and Cobb as soloists while “Satin Doll” showcases pianist Jones.
A rambunctious version of “Flying Home” has Johnson, Gordon, and of course Illinois Jacquet as the stars while the closing “The Hague’s Blues” has four of the tenors (all but Cobb) taking their turns.
This good-humored and swinging set is filled with bright moments from the great tenors.
-Scott Yanow
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