Teddy Edwards to Get a Day in His Honor; Stanley Turrentine Reported on the Mend

In celebration of his more than 40 years as an active jazzman in the City of the Angels, Tuesday has been declared “Teddy Edwards Day” by Mayor Tom Bradley. Tenor saxophonist and composer Edwards, a native of Jackson, Miss., will be honored in ceremonies at the Grand Avenue Bar of the Biltmore Hotel.

“Teddy is certainly a well-known jazz entity who has been popular in Los Angeles for many years and has made contributions to the jazz community here for many years, and the mayor has known him for many years, so for all these reasons the day will be dedicated to him,” said Valerie Fields, the mayor’s cultural attache.

“It’s nice to know that people appreciate your efforts,” said Edwards, whose performance--with his quartet (Eric Reed, piano; Tom Gargano, bass, and Ralph Penland, drums) and guest stars--will take place from 5-9:30 p.m., with a live broadcast on KKGO-FM (105.1) at 9 p.m.

Edwards, 65, lived and played professionally in Detroit before making Los Angeles his home base in 1945. His prominence began with the 1948 hit record “Blues in Teddy’s Flat.” While he has usually been a leader, he has also been known for his work with the Lighthouse All-Stars, Gerald Wilson’s Orchestra and a quintet he co-led with trumpet great Howard McGhee.

During his career, Edwards has played with everyone from Benny Goodman to Milt Jackson and Max Roach. This year, he has traveled to Europe twice, playing the Nice Festival in July before two stints at the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. In Sweden, he teamed up with American expatriates Benny Bailey and Horace Parlan. He is also currently appearing Thursdays at the Tai Ping restaurant on Crenshaw Boulevard.

Several of the LPs Edwards recorded for Lester Koenig’s Los Angeles-based Contemporary Records have been recently re-released.

Information: (213) 624-1011.

After being hospitalized following an attack of pulmonary edema last week, tenor saxophonist Stanley Turrentine is recuperating at his home in Kensington, Md. The 55-year-old Turrentine’s wife, Judith, said he was admitted to Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Oct. 10, and released Sunday. Turrentine has a history of high blood pressure, which, according to a statement issued by hospital spokesman Eric Hoffman, helped trigger the illness. Judith Turrentine said her husband, whose latest Blue Note release is “La Place,” plans to make his next scheduled engagement at Washington’s Blues Alley on Oct. 26.

Hey, jazz experts, all that arcane knowledge you’ve been hoarding for years can finally pay off. Rhino Records in Westwood is presenting a Jazz Day today and you can win prizes if you ace John Breckow’s Jazz Trivia Quiz. Breckow, who is the host of the fine “Smoke Rings” radio show (Sunday nights at 11 on KPFK-FM, 90.7) promises to make these tests tough, but if you don’t win something, you can still listen to a free concert by reedman Vinny Golia and pianist Wayne Peet at 8 p.m. Information: (213) 474-8685.

****Drummer Marvin (Smitty) Smith’s “The Road Less Traveled” (Concord Jazz) is a very nicely put-together package. The leader is not only a crafty trapsman, he also writes quite musical modern mainstream works and orchestrates these robust pieces for the four-horn front line with a deft ear. The moods vary from “The Neighborhood,” with its chunky back-beat, the jubilation of “Salsa Blue” and the alternately pensive and energetic title track. Saxophonists Ralph Moore and Steve Coleman, trombonist Robin Eubanks, trumpeter Wallace Roney and pianist James Williams offer solos that are worth hearing more than once.

Records are rated from one to five stars. ***** means a swinging must-have for the jazz lover, * means save your pennies, Benny.