Hank Mobley - A Slice Of The Top (1966) [Jazz][mp3 320][h33t][sc

Hank Mobley - A Slice Of The Top
Original Release Date: March 18, 1966
Label: Blue Note Records
Bitrate: 320 kbps

A lost session by Hank Mobley -- originally recorded in 1966, but not officially issued until 1979, and then only briefly until another short issue in the mid-90s. The record has Mobley reaching out into a new bag, hitting a more soulfully arranged sound than on some of his other straighter Blue Notes. Duke Pearson arranged the group, and it's slightly larger than usual -- with James Spaulding on alto, Lee Morgan on trumpet, McCoy Tyner on piano, Reggie Workman on bass, Billy Higgins on drums, and Kiane Zawadi and Howard Johnson providing a very unique tuba/euphonium bass part. Titles include "Hank's Other Bag", "Touch Of Blue", and "A Slice Of The Top".

The four Mobley originals on this recording were written while Mobley was in prison during the mid sixties. Duke Pearson arranged the songs at Mobley's request and they were recorded upon Mobley's release. Inspired by Miles Davis' "Birth of the Cool" band but swinging much harder this modal/hardbop date kicks off with the tuba and euphonium playing the lead-in to "Hank's Other Bag" - Duke Pearson's mastery of arrangment is established within the first few measures of the song. Mobley is in fine form, as are the other all-stars - good songs, good performances, well worth finding. ~ Douglas T Martin

Personnel:
James Spaulding, alto sax
Lee Morgan, trumpet
McCoy Tyner, piano
Reggie Workman, bass
Kiane Zawadi, euphonium
Howard Johnson, tuba
Billy Higgins, drums

Hank Mobley - A Slice Of The Top Tracks:
01 Hank's Other Bag
02 There's a Lull in My Life
03 Cute 'N Pretty
04 Touch of Blue
05 Slice of the Top