I’ve been listening to a bunch of different versions of “Blues Up & Down” lately. I love hearing two distinct tenor saxophone players going at it. Some people like to refer to this as a “battle”. They like to talk afterwards about who “won”. To me, those type of people need to grow up. Music is about relationships and communication. If you think it is a battle, war or test of whose the best then please don’t come near me on the bandstand! Here is a video of two guys who get it. It is obvious to me that they both respect each other. They are not trying to out play each other or show the other person up……….it’s just about the music. Expressing themselves in the moment! They are both monster players but what is the coolest for me is watching Frank Wess’s face as Scott Robinson solos. He’s loving it. He’s not thinking about himself, he’s not thinking about who won or whose the best. He’s totally absorbed in the moment and all that he’s thinking of is the music. Frank and Scott seem to be working as a team and enjoying each others company. I loved watching and listening to this. I hope you do also.
Man the thing I love most about this as you said, is that it shows the communication of music. This may not be a piece with wailing crazy solos and it may not be the highest quality recording either, but it really gets it.
There’s a recording on youtube of Joshua Redman and James Carter, and unfortunately they do seem to be battling. I can’t say whether they are or not, but they are legendary in their ability to think musically. I think it was an exchange of ideas, but I can’t tell. I can definately say there was huge communication involved, and just about every comment talked about how it was some epic war and “____” won.
I had the honor and privilege of playing with and knowing Scott back in the day at Berklee. I can tell you that you won’t meet a nicer or more knowledgeable guy when it comes to jazz, saxophone, improvisation, or history of our great art form. I am glad to have him as my friend and colleague. The man can play!