Blue Mitchell (trumpet), Wynton Kelly (piano), Sam Jones (bass) and Roy Brooks (drums). From the album Blue’s Moods (1960).
This album was Blue Mitchell’s debut as a solo trumpet player. One of the biggest challenges for a musician is to lead a quartet, there’s no one to hide behind. In the early part of his career, Mitchell was concerned that he wasn’t developing his full potential, so Blue’s Moods was a turning point for him.
Album cover
The tracks on this album cover a wide range of feelings and tempos, and the rhythm section is excellent. His improvisations are very creative and his sound is warm and pleasant, although he never received the recognition he deserved. Jazz critic Scott Yanow wrote: “The trumpeter is typically distinctive, swinging and inventive within the hard bop genre.”
Blue Mitchell
The introduction is made by the rhythm section and then Mitchell enters to expose the theme. The melody is cheerful and optimistic, able to lift anyone's spirits. Next, Mitchell begins his solo with his clear and impeccable tone, and his melodic lines are very well constructed. Without juggling, his dialogue is imaginative and stimulating. Afterwards Kelly comes in with a solo fluid and full of vitality. Mitchell comes back playing a few more phrases and then re-exposes the theme.
