Frank Morgan Allstars

[Jazzmoose]

Nothing substantial here; I just finished listening to this disc for the first time, and I just have to recommend it to anyone who hasn't heard it. But then everyone else here probably has. Oh, well; back to the real threads, guys...

[Jazzmoose]

On the other hand, I'll bet everyone else has heard this, and no one recommended it to me. I demand an immediate investigation! I smell a cover-up!

[J Larsen]

Sorry man, they paid me off real well, and made threats on my cd collection if I said anything...

[Joe]

This is the date with Joe Henderson and Bobby Hutcherson, right?

If so, a very nice record. But I happen to think the later LISTEN TO THE DAWN is Morgan's "masterpiece":

Alex Henderson's AMG review

Edited June 26, 2003 by Joe

[mgraham333]

I saw Frank Morgan at the Jazz Showcase in Chicago a couple of years ago. He puts on a pretty good show. I picked up his "Yardbird Suite" and "Love, Lost Found" soon after. Both are good, solid discs.

[skeith]

I really like this one too Jazzmoose, it is a cut above the usual all star session.

[Jazzmoose]

Sorry man, they paid me off real well, and made threats on my cd collection if I said anything...

Well...who wouldn't go along with that? I mean, if my CD collection was threatened...okay; I understand!

I'll have to check out more by this guy, though...thanks for the recommendations, guys!

[skeith]

My other favorite Frank Morgan is called I think "Double Image" and features duets with George Cables. It's great.

[Patrick]

In the late 80's, Frank Morgan was a point of entry (or re-entry) for me into hardbop. Compact discs were growing more available, and cheaper, and his "Mood Indigo" (Antilles) album got rave reviews (...at least in some quarters). I had cassettes of KoB and MJQ, and had been scared off by Coltrane's Om. Save for an opening/closing theme composed by George Cables, "Mood Indigo" is all standards (Wynton Marsalis sits in on a pair of tracks). While perhaps not essential listening in the greater jazz fermament, MI is a fine album for a newbie to (re)familiarize with some of the standard tunes. While I don't listen to it as often as I once did, it is a familiar and comfortable listen (an old pair of slippers, I suppose). I have a few of his other titles, and my favorites are MI and the aforementioned "Listen to the Dawn" which is a great late night listening experience.

I too saw Frank play at the Jazz Showcase in Chicago. A show I will not soon forget, not so much for the quality of playing, but for the timing. I saw him on September 14, 2001--just a few days after 9/11. After sitting in front of the television for a few days I had to get out, and figured Frank might provide some healing music. Alas, there were about 8 people in the audience, but to their credit, the show did go on. Frank played with Willie Pickens, piano, Marlene Rosenberg bass, and a drummer I don't recall. The mood was extremely subdued, but smiles appeared on some faces (at least mine) when they launched into some Monk striding. Between sets, I spoke briefly with Frank. He had left NY on 9/10, and, much like me, had been glued to a Chicago television set for the following few days. I asked him what it was like playing with McCoy Tyner. He smiled and recalled that Trane had suggested McCoy listen to Frank way back when. After our brief conversation about current events and jazz subsided, he started the second set with "Search for Peace". Healing music indeed.

[Dan Gould]

Nice story, Patrick.

I'd like to add Yardbird Suite to the list of recommendations; some fine blowing by Frank on Bird or Bird-associated tunes, plus a lot of really fine Mulgrew Miller on that one.

[DrJ]

Just wanted to say that REFLECTIONS is one of the only Frank Morgan CDs that I find myself wanting to return to periodically. I've come to the conclusion that his playing is just not my cup of tea, although I can acknowledge his talent objectively and he seems like a real down-to-earth guy.

But REFLECTIONS has such a great line-up and care in the arrangements, it's a winner even given those reservations. Thanks for reminding me about it, Jazzmoose, will have to pull it out for a listen today.