This three-CD set from Blue Note expands trumpeter
Lee Morgan's original two-LP set from four selections to 12.
Morgan's music had become much more modal by this time, heavily influenced by
John Coltrane, although some of the previously unissued numbers (including a remake of his popular "The Sidewinder") are a bit more straight-ahead.
Bennie Maupin (on tenor, bass clarinet, and flute) is in peak form and the rhythm section (pianist
Harold Mabern, bassist
Jymie Merritt, and drummer
Mickey Roker) is alert and creative. All of the songs are group originals, including two by
Morgan (on his "Speedball,"
Jack DeJohnette sits in on drums), five by
Maupin, three by
Mabern, and two from
Merritt. Stimulating and frequently exciting music from late in
Lee Morgan's short life. ~ Scott Yanow