With the exception of
Hank Mobley's original "Alternating Current," which was left out due to lack of space, this single CD has all of the music from the two Prestige LPs Mobley's Message and Hank Mobley's Second Message; a two-LP set from 1976 which had the same
Messages title and catalog number, but also the complete program, is actually the preferred acquisition, but will be difficult to locate. The first session mostly features the fine tenor
Hank Mobley jamming on four superior bop standards, including "Bouncing with Bud," "52nd Street Theme" and "Au Privavem" and his own "Minor Disturbance" in a quintet with trumpeter
Donald Byrd, pianist
Barry Harris, bassist
Doug Watkins and drummer
Art Taylor; altoist
Jackie McLean has a strong cameo on "Au Privave." The second set, recorded a week later, is less of a jam session, with
Mobley, trumpeter
Kenny Dorham, pianist Walter Bishop, bassist
Doug Watkins and drummer
Art Taylor essaying three of
Mobley's now-obscure compositions,
Benny Harris's "Crazeology" and the standards "These Are the Things I Love" and "I Should Care." The two dates give one a good example of
Hank Mobley's playing prior to becoming a regular Blue Note artist, where he would create his greatest work. ~ Scott Yanow