Lee Morgan

[BlueMiles]

Let’s hear it from all the Lee Morgan fans! Many will say he was among the very best to ever pick up the trumpet. I don’t think I would disagree. I used to go more for Freddie Hubbard, seeing him as the ultimate trumpet man of 1960s’s Blue Note. He was a great player with Blakey, with many other artists, and as a solo artist. But Lee Morgan took a parallel path, also playing with Blakey (though my collection is heavier on Hubbard) and recording extensively for the label—even more so than Hubbard.

I did think of Morgan as largely representing the “Blue Note sound,” as epitomized on “The Sidewinder.” Artists like McLean, Hutcherson, Shorter, and even Hubbard seemed more creative. I no longer think this. Morgan led a lot of fine sessions. Purely as a player, he flew as high as Hubbard—actually higher. There was a lot to like about his records, not least the fabulous musicians joining him: McLean, Shorter, Tyner, Hank Mobley, Pepper Adams, Joe Henderson, and many more.

Among his many records, one of my favorites is Tom Cat, which oddly sat in the can for something like 16 years. Why is that, when he had on board McLean, Curtis Fuller, and none other than Blakey himself. There’s some fiery stuff here, but also subtle stuff too—and subtle is a key quality in my book. It’s great hearing the first version of Tyner’s “Twilight Mist.” Another good one is Search for the New Land, especially the long and ambitious title track.

Lee Morgan died young and died tragically, but left behind an impressive body of work.

Please discuss your favorite records and tracks.

[Vince Kargatis]

I'm not a big fan of Sidewinder, but Candy is the shit ("Since I Fell For You"!), and he was incredible with Blakey.

[BlueMiles]

I was just listening to some tracks at E-music: Lee Morgan: The Ultimate Collection. This is a very generous helping of late 50's records, mostly sextets with a large presence by Benny Golson as player and composer. I really love Golson's stuff and the way he puts together sextets.

[BlueMiles]

Why start threads on jazz music anymore? People are either barely bothering with the heart of Jazz Corner, or engaging in something not connected to jazz.

[Blue Train]

My favorites with him as leader:

Search for the New Land
The Gigolo
Cornbread
Tom Cat
Live at the Lighthouse

[Kevin Bresnahan]

It's hard to discuss a singular artist like this. What can one say that they haven't said once or twice or a hundred times before?

I love Lee Morgan's Blue Notes. I play them often - much more than Freddie's dates. Doesn't mean I don't like Hubbard's playing less just that I really dig Lee's music. One of my favorites is "Search For The New Land" but I do find myself pulling "Lee Way" off the shelf quite a bit. And all those dates with Mobley in the front line? Hard bop heaven.

[Valerie]

i love and miss both Lee and Freddie. a lot! luckily, i have great memories of hearing both of them live many times. in fact, i was at Jennifer Leitham's gig this past Sunday afternoon at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach and was thinking about the times i had heard Freddie, Lee and Cannonball there. sweet memories, indeed.

[BlueMiles]

On what record does Lee's version of "I Remember Clifford" first appear? I have it on a "best of" CD.

[Blue Train]

Lee Morgan, Vol. 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5dy2HbzeCc


I have to admit while I am related to someone who actually has the vinyl and cd. I googled this.

[CraigP]

I think Freddie had a little better technique than Lee and could fit into different situations better. However, I prefer Lee's 60's albums to Freddie's. And I always have a soft spot for Charles Tolliver.

[Lenny D.Guitarist]

Lee Morgan was one for the ages. You can't go wrong listening to him.

[Dr Dave]

I have long thought that "The Sidewinder" was genius stuff; uncompromising hard bop that you could dance to.