Cornbread

Jackie McLean (alto sax), Hank Mobley (tenor sax), Lee Morgan (trumpet), Herbie Hancock (piano), Larry Ridley (bass) and Billy Higgins (drums). From the album Cornbread (1967).

This album is best known for its soft and moving ballad “Ceroa”, but the other tracks are also excellent. Morgan works with a well-rounded group of open and competent hard bop stylists who have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills. Morgan’s compositions are magnificent, and the arrangements, although simple, are well expressed and have interesting twists and turns.

The tone of Morgan’s trumpet is clear and muscular, but he can also play lyrically. His phrasing is perfect and his robust and daring touch is pure delight. This recording conveys virtuosity and fire, and expresses the feeling of a true stimulating and emotional blues that captures the attention of any jazz enthusiast. Everything works perfectly, from the selection of melodies to the intensity of the solos.

This theme is a contagious blues supported by an irresistible church-inspired rhythm. Morgan starts his solo with a lot of impulse playing creative phrases, but then slows down to create a casual atmosphere. Mobley follows him presenting a continuous improvisation with long and tasty phrases. Next comes McLean playing intensely eloquent passages full of ups and downs. Then Hancock enters with a very bluesy and well-conceived melodic line that transforms in an exalted chords solo. To close, the group re-exposes the theme and Hancock continues to play fading out.