The Craft Recordings reissue of Howard McGhee and Teddy Edwards’ Together Again!!!! is a celebration of two monumental figures in post-bop jazz, brought back into the sonic forefront with pristine detail. This 180-gram vinyl edition, mastered from the original tapes by the legendary Bernie Grundman, is not just a reissue but a reverent preservation of a unique moment in jazz history. Originally released in 1961 on Contemporary Records, this album marked the rekindling of a collaborative spark between McGhee and Edwards after a gap in their respective careers. The pairing of McGhee’s robust trumpet and Edwards’ lyrical tenor sax is both nostalgic and invigorating, filled with the kind of chemistry that only happens when two jazz giants meet on equal footing.
By the time Together Again!!!! was recorded, Howard McGhee and Teddy Edwards were well-established players on the scene. McGhee, a key figure in bebop, had faced significant personal struggles from drug use in the 1950s that led to a period of diminished visibility. His resurgence in the early ’60s, marked by this album, was a statement of triumph and resilience. Edwards, one of the most respected tenor saxophonists of his time, had built a reputation for his work on the West Coast and his contributions to the bop idiom. The album title itself emphasizes the reunion of two forces, signaling a return not just to recording together but to a shared musical vision that had grown and matured over time.
From the opening notes of “Together Again,” McGhee’s trumpet bursts out with a brassy brightness, while Edwards’ tenor sax retains its fluidity, a perfect balance of warmth and sharpness. The rhythm section—played by Phineas Newborn Jr. on piano, Ray Brown on bass, and Ed Thigpen on drums—has an exceptional presence in this pressing, each note distinct and full-bodied. The standard “You Stepped Out of a Dream” follows, allowing both McGhee and Edwards to showcase their technical prowess. Edwards’ solo is particularly beautiful, with long, flowing lines that glide over the rhythm section. McGhee’s trumpet, by contrast, is bright and punchy, injecting bursts of energy into the otherwise cool atmosphere. Phineas Newborn Jr.’s piano accompaniment here is elegant, supporting the solos with tastefully restrained chords.
A nod to bebop’s roots, Charlie Parker’s “Perhaps” is one of the more up-tempo tracks on the album. Here, both McGhee and Edwards dig into the bop vocabulary with precision and agility. McGhee, who was once a close associate of Parker’s, plays with the same kind of fiery intensity that defined his earlier bebop recordings. Edwards, while staying true to the bop framework, adds his own West Coast flavor, delivering a solo that is both sophisticated and accessible. The rhythm section swings hard behind them, with Thigpen’s drumming providing the perfect rhythmic support. The ballad “Misty” provides a beautifully tender moment on the album. McGhee’s muted trumpet is haunting, each note filled with emotion and restraint. Edwards matches this with a solo that is equally moving, his tenor sax gently caressing the melody. The two soloists approach the standard with a reverence that highlights their deep understanding of its emotional core, making it a standout track on the album. The final track, “Sandy,” composed by McGhee, is a medium-tempo blues with a bit of a swagger. It’s a fitting closer, with both musicians easing into their solos as if they’ve come full circle from the opening track. McGhee’s trumpet is playful and adventurous, while Edwards takes a more reflective approach.
Together Again!!!! is a perfect representation of West Coast bop at its best—cool but with a deep emotional core. McGhee and Edwards, though masters of their craft, avoid any showboating or over-complication. Instead, they opt for a session that is grounded in the joy of collaboration and the pursuit of honest, soulful expression. For both longtime fans of the album and newcomers, this release is a must-have. It’s an album that stands as a testament to two jazz legends, and this reissue honors their legacy with the care and attention it deserves.
