This long-lost
Lee Morgan session was not released for the first time until it was discovered in the Blue Note vaults by
Michael Cuscuna in 1984; it has still not been reissued on CD. Originals by
Cal Massey,
Duke Pearson ("Is That So") and
Walter Davis, in addition to a couple of surprising pop tunes ("What Not My Love" and "Once in My Lifetime") and
Morgan's title cut, are well-played by the quintet (which includes the trumpeter/leader,
Hank Mobley on tenor, pianist
Cedar Walton, bassist
Paul Chambers and drummer
Billy Higgins). Much of the music is reminiscent of
The Jazz Messengers and that may have been the reason that it was lost in the shuffle for
Morgan was soon investigating modal-oriented tunes. Despite its neglect, this is a fine session that
Lee Morgan and hard bop fans will want. ~ Scott Yanow