tonym Posted November 2, 2003 Report Share Posted November 2, 2003 Just picked this up today at local HMV for £4.99 (which is probably about $4.99 given the strength of Sterling). I have only 4 or 5 other Morgans with some others as sideman. It states that it was his only release as leader between Candy which is very 'bold' IMO and 'The Sidewinder'; which is obviously very 'funky'. So I'm assuming that he must have been working with Blakey a lot during this time. This maybe explains the general feel of the album that I've sensed so far. A bit like 'Moanin'' without the unforgettable tunes. Am I not alone in thinking Timmons' piano is really back in the mix, but that he holds this album together a lot....along with Chambers who must have been recording everyday around this point! I like it so far, the tribute tune 'The Lion & the Wolf' appears the most thought through from what I've heard so far. So, given the recent divided opinions about 'Charisma' is this a must have for some of you while for others it's a turkey? Thanks, tonym. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexander Posted November 2, 2003 Report Share Posted November 2, 2003 I'd be careful around Art Blakey from now on. Apparently, he killed Charlie Parker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonym Posted November 2, 2003 Author Report Share Posted November 2, 2003 Well I killed a bird the other day too, but that was just a pheasant that ran in front of the car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A Lark Ascending Posted November 2, 2003 Report Share Posted November 2, 2003 I bought this a few weeks back (in a Fopp sale at the same price!) and really like it. 'The Sidewinder' never really stood out for me but this one has made me much more curious about Morgan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pryan Posted November 2, 2003 Report Share Posted November 2, 2003 It states that it was his only release as leader between Candy which is very 'bold' IMO and 'The Sidewinder'; which is obviously very 'funky'. So I'm assuming that he must have been working with Blakey a lot during this time. This maybe explains the general feel of the album that I've sensed so far. A bit like 'Moanin'' without the unforgettable tunes. I believe there was another date issued on Riverside entitled TAKE TWELVE, which was issued between LEEWAY and THE SIDEWINDER, possibly in 1962 (someone correct me if I'm wrong, as I don't actually have that album). No he wasn't working with Blakey during that period '61-'63; he was basically off the music scene altogether, having to cope with his bad heroin addiction. Lee eventually straightened himself out enough to start recording again in '63; I believe Moncur's EVOLUTION was the first session he played on. He returned to play in Blakey's group from 1964 thru 1966. At least that's how I understand things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shrdlu Posted November 2, 2003 Report Share Posted November 2, 2003 Lee Way was recorded in early 1960, when Lee was still playing regularly with Art Blakey. He did leave the scene for awhile the next year, but not in 1960. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrJ Posted November 3, 2003 Report Share Posted November 3, 2003 I have always loved LEEWAY, a great recording. To me, even on his best recordings Morgan sometimes succumbed to the "I'm going to play my hot licks for the people whether the situation demands it or not" mentality. On LEEWAY, he just seems to have abandoned that and ends up sounding far more thoughtful and restrained (in the positive sense) than usual. I like the symmetry of the album too, 2 great songs per side, with the wonderful Massey pieces bracketing two of Lee's (not his most memorable, but functional). McLean sounds wonderful as always, and I don't even find myself minding Timmons who often got on my nerves. A winner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bertrand Posted November 3, 2003 Report Share Posted November 3, 2003 There is only one Morgan composition on the record - 'Midtown Blues' is by McLean. Bertrand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrJ Posted November 3, 2003 Report Share Posted November 3, 2003 Thanks for the correction; still not a very memorable composition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
king ubu Posted November 3, 2003 Report Share Posted November 3, 2003 I like it just right. It's a little rough (mainly the playing of Morgan and McLean), but it's true, bluesy, and yes, thoughtful, maybe. ubu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sidewinder Posted November 3, 2003 Report Share Posted November 3, 2003 I believe there was another date issued on Riverside entitled TAKE TWELVE, which was issued between LEEWAY and THE SIDEWINDER, possibly in 1962 (someone correct me if I'm wrong, as I don't actually have that album). No he wasn't working with Blakey during that period '61-'63; he was basically off the music scene altogether, having to cope with his bad heroin addiction. Lee eventually straightened himself out enough to start recording again in '63; I believe Moncur's EVOLUTION was the first session he played on. He returned to play in Blakey's group from 1964 thru 1966. At least that's how I understand things. My early-80s Prestige vinyl copy of 'Take Twelve' confirms that it was originally released as Jazzland JLP-80. It's a nice session - captures Lee just as he was starting to work on the darker, more thematic material which would blossom on 'Search For The New Land' back on Blue Note. The recording date for 'Take Twelve' is Jan 24th 1962 and lineup has Clifford Jordan, Barry Harris, Bob Cranshaw and Louis Hayes. Recommended ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Nessa Posted November 3, 2003 Report Share Posted November 3, 2003 The 2 VeeJay dates flank Leeway as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BruceH Posted November 4, 2003 Report Share Posted November 4, 2003 The VeeJay dates are some of my favorite Morgan! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad Posted November 4, 2003 Report Share Posted November 4, 2003 To say it's a must date might be a little strong. I like some of his work with Benny Golson better but it's a very good date. One of those albums that you could say is the apotheosis of hard bop. I know there are those who hate it. Just to hear the other side, I'd like to see their views. Actually, back at the BNBB there was a quite lively discussion when the RVG was first announced. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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