Frank Morgan

Altoist Frank Morgan leads an all-star group on this excellent hard bop set. With tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson, vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Ron Carter and drummer Al Foster also in the sextet, it is not surprising that Morgan sounds a bit inspired. The musicians all play up to their usual level, performing "Caravan" (which was added to the CD version) and Sonny Rollins' "Sonnymoon for Two," plus a song apiece by Thelonious Monk ("Reflections"), Miller, Hutcherson, Henderson and Carter. Recommended.

Frank Morgan - Listen To The Dawn (1994) {Antilles–Verve 314 518 979-2}
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© 1994 Antilles / Verve / PolyGram | 314 518 979-2
Jazz / Bop / Post Bop / Saxophone

Listen to the Dawn is a rare example of Frank Morgan recording an entire album without a pianist. The veteran alto saxophonist, who was only two weeks away from his 60th birthday when this post-bop/be bop CD was recorded, evidently wanted to try something a bit different – and it was a move that paid off creatively. Whether he's forming an intimate duo with guitarist Kenny Burrell or forming a quartet with Burrell, bassist Ron Carter, and drummer Grady Tate, Morgan fares quite well without a pianist. This isn't an album of fast tempos and high-speed aggression – from Burrell offerings like "Listen to the Dawn" and "Remembering" to highly personal interpretations of Gordon Jenkins' "Goodbye," Duke Ellington's "I Didn't Know About You" (which becomes a sexy bossa nova), and the standard "It Might as Well Be Spring," Morgan is especially introspective and really takes time to reflect. This compelling CD should not be missed.

Although all eight selections on this CD have been played many times before (the only song not a boppish warhorse is John Lewis' "Milano"), altoist Frank Morgan makes each of the pieces sound fresh. As producer John Snyder is quoted in the liner notes, this is bop without cliches. Morgan, who is assisted by pianist Rodney Kendrick, drummer Leroy Williams and either Curtis Lundy or Ray Drummond on bass, digs into such songs as "Well You Needn't," "A Night In Tunisia" and an 11 ½ minute version of "Half Nelson," coming up with some surprising twists and plenty of viable ideas. A fine effort.

Frank Morgan - Reflections (1988) {Contemporary CCD-14052-2 rel 1989}
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© 1989 Contemporary Records / Fantasy | CCD-14052-2
Jazz / Bop / Hard Bop / Saxophone

Altoist Frank Morgan leads an all-star group on this excellent hard bop set. With tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson, vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Ron Carter and drummer Al Foster also in the sextet, it is not surprising that Morgan sounds a bit inspired. The musicians all play up to their usual level, performing "Caravan" (which was added to the CD version) and Sonny Rollins' "Sonnymoon for Two," plus a song apiece by Thelonious Monk ("Reflections"), Miller, Hutcherson, Henderson and Carter. Recommended.

Frank Morgan - Bop! (1997) {Telarc CD-83413 rec 1996}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 352 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 150 Mb
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© 1997 Telarc | CD-83413
Jazz / Bop / Bebop / Saxophone

Anyone who thinks bebop means breakneck tempos combined with "bombs away" drumming should listen to this CD. Only one of these tunes is taken up-tempo, and Leroy Williams's drumming on it (52nd STREET THEME) is sensitive and lyrical. In fact, lyrical is the best word to describe this entire CD. Frank Morgan's alto playing is airy and delicate, and is most effective on medium-tempo selections, with John Lewis's MILANO a typical example.