Finding a new record store is akin to discovering a long lost relative. And if the clerk (aka record geek) behind the counter is a helpful and interesting individual, all the better. Upon arriving at Mod Lang in El Cerrito, California, the first thing I noticed was that there was as much vinyl as anything else. That's always a good sign. I struck up a conversation with the clerk, who had just tossed on the new Iron and Wine compilation as I arrived. As per usual, I was necessitated to leave my bag at the front of the store, but that only allowed my scrawny arms more freedom as I traipsed through the jazz and rock sections of the store.

It pretty quickly was apparent that whoever did the pricing of stock new his - or her - stuff. But I persisted. There's always a cheap gem in there somewhere. And I was correct. It's rare, but it occurs. A stark white cover (which I couldn't find a digital image of on the interwebs) with only a few lines of text announced that what I had in my hands was a live Eddie 'Lockjaw' Davis disc on which he was accompanied by Johnny Griffin as well as Junior Mance.

The two sax players - Davis and Griffin - apparently struck up a relationship in the early '60s and recorded upwards of ten dates together. But this disc was a part of the three volume Minton's stand that the two did and was released in '61. Oddly enough, though, the notes adorning the back of the disc figure the date to be '65. And even more troubling is the fact that the catalog number of the disc I have - Prestige  - seems to be the original pressing. It's a mystery. But the music on here isn't.

As the record sports only four tracks, each side is made up of two. Each of the tracks is a cover - including one each from Charlie Parker and Thelonious Monk. There's a bit of crowd chatter and band preparation as "Billie's Bounce" begins the first side. And whatever tempo one might be accustomed to hearing that track, the version here moves past that and at times seems to rush through the standard. The pacing, though, still allows for everyone to take a solo - and as the two horn players push each other on, the playing is just short of ecstatic.

As the second side of this platter begins with "Epistrophy," a bit of discussion is heard as to how to approach its introduction. And eventually, the drums just kick in amidst a bit of yelling. But to hear the song appropriated for saxophone - and not just one, both Davis and Griffin play the main statement of the track - is more than satisfying.

Not being overly familiar with either sax player, it's difficult to tell who's taking what solo, but to a certain extent, that's just academic. So regardless of who does what when on here, be assured that the combination of Davis and Griffin is one that should have been mined beyond the handful of dates they set down.