Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis Vinyl Records Lps For Sale
Check out these new and used Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis vinyl records LPs for sale. We recommend starting your Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis vinyl collection with the essential albums The Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis Trio With Joe Newman, The Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis Cookbook Vol. 1 and Lock, The Fox. Our inventory is always changing, so check back often, or browse our list of vinyl records for sale from jazz musicians.
Eddie Lockjaw Davis Cookbook, Vol. 1
Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Jaw Strikes Again, Black & Blue 33 101 1976 Import
$30.00 (as of July 25, 2025 03:22 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)EDDIE "LOCKJAW" DAVIS - The Best Of (With Shirley Scott) / PRT-7710 / Prestige / '70 LP Vinyl
$10.00 (as of July 25, 2025 03:22 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Fats Blows (1946-1949) [Vinyl]
$34.95 (as of July 25, 2025 03:14 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Tenor Scene
$40.00 (as of July 26, 2025 00:10 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Harry Edison / Eddie 'Lockjaw' Davis: Swing Masters LP VG+/VG++ Canada Riverside
$11.99 (as of July 25, 2025 03:22 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Harry Edison And Eddie Lockjaw Davis - Simply Sweets - Lp Vinyl Record
$11.99 (as of July 25, 2025 03:14 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Best Of Eddie Lockjaw Davis
$10.09 (as of July 25, 2025 03:23 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Ow Live At The Penthouse (1962)
Love Calls
$81.99 (as of July 26, 2025 00:10 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis: The Grit and Grace of a Tenor Titan
Introduction to a Tenor Powerhouse
Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis was a bold and gritty tenor saxophonist whose signature sound helped define hard bop and soul jazz. With a gruff tone, blues-soaked phrasing, and a firebrand stage presence, Davis carved out a legacy that set him apart from his more polished contemporaries. Born in New York City in 1922, Davis came up in the vibrant jazz scene of Harlem, absorbing the swing of the ‘30s and the bebop revolution of the ‘40s. While his style remained rooted in the blues, he embraced modern harmonic ideas, making him a bridge between generations of jazz saxophonists.
Early Career and the Bebop Era
Davis got his nickname “Lockjaw” early in his career, possibly due to the fierce way he clamped down on the mouthpiece or his biting tone. He began performing in the early 1940s, playing in bands led by Cootie Williams and Lucky Millinder. These experiences gave him a foundation in big band swing, but Davis soon aligned with the bebop vanguard. By the late ‘40s, he was gigging alongside innovators like Sonny Stitt and Fats Navarro, absorbing the new music while retaining his own blues-based style.
Notable Albums
Throughout his career, Davis recorded prolifically, especially during his years with Prestige Records. Five notable albums stand out in his discography for their influence, musicianship, and enduring appeal:
- “The Eddie ‘Lockjaw’ Davis Cookbook” (1958) – This seminal album, recorded with organist Shirley Scott, was the first in a series that brought greasy, blues-drenched soul jazz into the spotlight. The format of tenor sax and organ became one of Davis’s signature setups, and this album showcased their electric chemistry.
- “Trane Whistle” (1960) – On this big band project arranged by Oliver Nelson, Davis explored lush, modern orchestrations while maintaining his raw energy. It highlighted his versatility and ability to soar over sophisticated arrangements.
- “Smokin’” (1964) – Another collaboration with Shirley Scott, this album captured the essence of Davis’s gritty soul jazz sound. It became a staple for fans of groove-heavy, club-ready jazz.
- “Afro-Jaws” (1961) – With a Latin jazz flavor, this album featured fiery percussion and horn-driven arrangements. It demonstrated Davis’s interest in diverse rhythms and his ability to bring his sound into new stylistic territories.
- “The Tenor Scene” (1961) – A spirited head-to-head session with Johnny Griffin, this record is a masterclass in friendly tenor combat. Davis and Griffin’s contrasting styles—gritty vs. agile—make for a dynamic listening experience.
The Organ Combo Legacy
Davis helped popularize the tenor sax-organ combo, which became a staple in jazz clubs during the 1950s and ‘60s. His recordings with Shirley Scott in particular laid the groundwork for later soul jazz acts. These sessions had a relaxed, almost greasy groove that appealed to listeners beyond traditional jazz audiences. The rawness of Davis’s tone paired with Scott’s church-influenced organ made for a powerful blend that influenced countless future acts.
Influence and Legacy
Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis left a deep impression on generations of saxophonists who admired his balance of swagger and soul. His influence can be heard in the work of artists like Houston Person, Stanley Turrentine, and even later funk-jazz saxophonists like Maceo Parker. Davis never strayed too far into abstraction or overly cerebral improvisation; instead, he stayed rooted in the expressive power of the blues, making his music deeply emotional and accessible.
Davis also helped revive the art of the jazz “cutting session”—friendly duels where saxophonists would trade solos in a spirit of competition and camaraderie. His work with Johnny Griffin was legendary in this regard, and their battles became some of the most talked-about moments in jazz club lore.
Later Years and Continued Vitality
In the 1970s and ‘80s, Davis continued to tour and record, often in Europe, where he was celebrated as a living legend. He played with the Count Basie Orchestra during two separate stints and brought his fiery presence to every stage he graced. Despite changing tastes and the rise of new genres, Davis remained true to his roots, never compromising his sound for trends.
His tone mellowed slightly with age, but the intensity never left. Whether performing a blues, a ballad, or a bebop burner, Davis remained a commanding figure on the bandstand until his passing in 1986.
Conclusion: A Saxophonist of Soul and Swagger
Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis stands as one of the great tenor saxophonists in jazz history—not for virtuosic flights or harmonic wizardry, but for his unmistakable sound and emotional directness. His music was earthy, grounded, and full of life. In an era of technical fireworks, Davis reminded listeners of jazz’s bluesy, swinging heart. His influence on soul jazz, his collaborations with organists, and his fearsome tenor battles with Johnny Griffin cemented his legacy. For those seeking jazz that speaks with a deep, human voice, Lockjaw’s records remain essential listening.