Description
Lee Morgan is no stranger to Blue Note, and he was the leading trumpeter in hard bop during the 1960s and he recorded quite a few classic albums for the label This is one of them. This reissue features Morgan at his best, whether playing his memorable blues “Speed Ball,” an explorative ballad version of “You Go to My Head,” a lengthy “The Gigolo,” or his other two originals (“Yes I Can, No You Can’t” and “Trapped”). There are no weak selections on this set and the playing by the leader,Wayne Shorteron tenor, pianistHarold Mabern, bassistBob Cranshaw, and drummerBilly Higginsis beyond any serious criticism.
Following the runaway success ofThe Sidewinderin 1964,Alfred Lioncontinued to record trumpeterLee Morganfrequently in the hopes of capturing another funky boogaloo hit. While his subsequent albums may not have scaled the same commercial heights, Morgan certainly delivered the musical goods on his 1965 albumsThe Rumproller,The Gigolo, andCornbread, all of which stand among the finest outings in his formidable discography. Recorded over two dates that Summer,The Gigolofeatured Morgan with a dynamic quintet comprised ofWayne Shorteron tenor saxophone,Harold Mabernon piano,Bob Cranshawon bass, andBilly Higginson drums. A supremely confident set of swaggering hard bop, the album kicks off with the groovy opener Yes I Can, No You Cant, one of four Morgan originals featured here along with the up-tempo gems Trapped and Speedball, and stirring explorations of the 11-minute The Gigolo. The album closes with an exceptional arrangement of the ballad You Go To My Head which sways with sensual movement. (via Blue Note)
Label: Blue Note, UMe
Series: Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo, 180g
Country: Worldwide
Reissued: 2024 / Original: 1968
Genre: Jazz
Style: Hard Bop
File under: Blue Note Records
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