| Smooth Sailing | |
| Type: | Studio |
| Artist: | Teddy Edwards |
| Cover: | Smooth Sailing (album).jpg |
| Released: | March 11, 2003 |
| Recorded: | December 19, 2001 |
| Studio: | M&I Recording Studios, NYC |
| Genre: | Jazz |
| Length: | 50:00 |
| Label: | HighNote HCD 7088 |
| Producer: | Houston Person |
| Chronology: | Teddy Edwards |
| Prev Title: | The Legend of Teddy Edwards |
| Prev Year: | 2000 |
Smooth Sailing is the final album by the saxophonist Teddy Edwards.[1] It was recorded in 2001 and released on the HighNote label in 2003.[2]
In his review on AllMusic, Scott Yanow writes: "Although veteran tenor saxophonist Teddy Edwards was having serious health problems by 2001, he is in excellent form throughout this set, showing no signs of decline or age. Playing in New York with a top-notch quartet that includes pianist Richard Wyands, Edwards caresses some of the melodies (his long tones are impressive), he swings hard in spots, and he shows great affection for the material. ... Throughout, Teddy Edwards shows that in 2001 he was still in his musical prime."
On All About Jazz, Terrell Kent Holmes called it "a fine example of economical playing and arrangement" and noted "Edwards, now approaching 80 years old, shows on Smooth Sailing that he's as formidable a sax man as ever. More power to any septuagenerian who swings."[3]
The authors of The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings stated that Edwards "was in failing health" when the album was recorded, "but you wouldn't know it... Even at this age and even seriously ill, Teddy was able to swing a line with the best of them."
David Franklin of Jazz Times commented: "Smooth Sailing... shows that [Edwards'] buoyant sense of swing and tender way with a ballad remain intact. Not surprising for a man of his age, his intonation is occasionally insecure... but that aside, these eight performances are remarkable for someone of his years."[4]