Unreleased Edison Laterals

I have already reviewed several albums by Harry Edison, so perhaps there is not much more to say. I've pointed out his liking for certain clich‚s which recur frequently in his solos. These include the repetition of pairs of notes, downward glissandi, and a long-held note which eventually rises then falls. These phrases are well in evidence on this double CD consisting of three original LPs plus seven tracks from the album Sweets. Despite the clich‚s, Harry Edison can charm the birds out of the trees with his unique style, possibly perfected during his long years with the Count Basie Orchestra. His methods are relaxed and seldom assertive. He has a gorgeous tone which is subdued when he adds a mute to the trumpet and he always swings easily, knowing that swing is achieved by the subtle use of syncopation and leaving spaces in the music.