[78-L] Jonathan and Darlene Edwards

[Malcolm Rockwell]

My copy has two right hands, as well. So does the piano player.
I also have a copy of the Jack Davis illustrated "Sing Along With..." album.
I would guesstimate "Artistry" was released late 1957 or early 1958.
Mal

*******

Julian Vein wrote:
> JACK DANEY wrote:
>  > I still have the  "Artistry of Jonathan Edwards" LP (COL. CL 1024). I
>  > vaguely recall hearing (way back) that the cover showed two left hands
>  > (which certainly would make sense). Mine, however shows two right hands.
>  > Hopefully someone will tell me that my copy is a very rare reverse 
> printing
>  > which will bring the price of a new car on the bay. (Oh Yeah!)  BTW, does
>  > anyone know the year of release (early fifties???) or have a copy of the
>  > (played straight) Down Beat review which was responded to by a reader who
>  > just couldn't fathom the high praise it received. He/she too may have 
> played
>  > it sraight. Ah! Them was the daze!!
>  > JD
> ==========
> This is the Leonard Feather review, which I have in the Downbeat record 
> review book for 1957:
>
> Awarded 48 stars.
>
>
> 'Forty-eight stars is a modest rating indeed for this effort; in our 
> heart we add 13 stripes. for only in America could a record like this be 
> made. Perhaps if such all-American sounds as the piano of Edwards and 
> the matchless voice of his wife can be broadcast among our good 
> neighbors, they will move, or rather, they will be moved, to a better 
> understanding of our lives, our national character, our problems.
>
> This LP is literally unique. Columbia is modest indeed in starting, in 
> the liner notes, that Edwards is in the "early or formative stage" of 
> his career, for we doubt that he will ever top the pinnacle of 
> achievement he reaches on these sides. in fact, once this disc has got 
> around, there will be no place for him to go.
>
> Edwards can proudly claim to be the first pianist to contain Stardust, 
> in unmatched simplicity, within the confines of C and G seventh. If his 
> attempts to grapple with Nola lead to snide comments that his dizzy 
> fingers are all thumbs, the listener should remember that Edwards 
> operates under an amazing physical handicap. As the cover shows, he was 
> born with two right hands and is thus the archetype of all pianists who 
> have been accused of having no left hand.
>
> The real honors, however, must be reserved for the vocal racks by Mrs. 
> Edwards. her intonation must be heard to be relieved. Above all, she and 
> Edwards have empathy. A partnership like this is comparable only with 
> the mythical mating of Jelly Roll Morton and Chris Connor. Darlene's 
> Autumn in New York, with the touchingly apt suggestion of Dear Old 
> Southland in Jonathan's introduction, is a sound for sore ears. Mrs. 
> Edwards is a true tragedienne, as you'll know when you hear It's Magic; 
> it's tragic.
>
> To Mr. and Mrs Paul Weston, who allegedly have been trying to take 
> credit for these performances, we say, have a heart--give the Edwardses 
> their due! And to you, Mr. and Mrs. United States, who save your nickels 
> in a effort to stock your library with the ultimate in American music, 
> we add--don't fail to miss it.'
>
>       Julian Vein
>
>