Lee Morgan - Sonic Boom (1967) [2013 BNLA Series 24-bit Remaster]

Lost genius from trumpeter Lee Morgan – a session recorded for Blue Note in 1967, but not issued until the late 70s – and even then, only for a very short time! The session has Morgan moving into that wonderful last stage of his career – working in tight formation towards a sound that still had that groovier hardbop styles of earlier recordings, but which also unfolds towards a more ambitious spiritual jazz mode. The writing on the session is superb – original tunes that crackle with energy in a surge of dark notes and shadowy moods, inspiring the soloists to express themselves at levels that rank with their best work of the time!

The group features David Newman on tenor – sounding completely different, and far more righteous, than on his Atlantic sides of the 60s – plus Cedar Walton on piano, Ron Carter on bass, and Billy Higgins on drums. A great sound overall – right up there with Tom Cat or The Gigolo for lyrical modernism – and with titles that include "Sneaky Pete", "The Mercenary", "Sonic Boom", and "Mumbo Jumbo".


Tracks:

01 - Sneaky Pete
02 - The Mercenary
03 - Sonic Boom
04 - Fathead
05 - I'll never Be The Same
06 - Mumbo Jumbo

Personnel:

Lee Morgan - trumpet
David Fathead Newman - tenor saxophone
Cedar Walton - piano
Ron Carter - bass
Billy Higgins - drums