Customer Reviews

Charisma

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A real bargain, "Charisma" is one of Morgan's better releases. Although he died young, the trumpeter built up a very impressive discography and established himself as one of the preeminent voices on jazz trumpet. "Charisma" displays Morgan at his hard bop best.

He has, as usual, surrounded himself with superlative talent. Hank Mobley and Jackie McLean both lend their distinctive voices on saxophone, Cedar Walton shimmers on piano, and Billy Higgins is his usual impeccable self on drums. Walton also contributes a superb composition, the wistful "Rainy Night," which allows Morgan to slow the pace down and display the lyricism of his horn.

But for the most part, this is mid-'60s hard bop at its very best, and Morgan displays complete command on the simple but very effective uptempo compositions that dominate the disk. The hardest-swinging and funkiest is "The Double Up," which winds up the disk and will probably make you want to immediately recue. All the players sound completely at ease, especially on "Hey Chico" and "Sweet Honey Bee," but they never sound bored or complacent. They obviously love the music and give it their all on each and every solo. Mobley, in particular, has a sound like butter that slides effortlessly through the changes, yet he never loses the sense of passion you want from a jazz solo.

The entire Morgan discography on Blue Note is worth owning, but "Charisma," like "Search for the New Land," "Sidewinder" and the later live recordings at the Lighthouse, is near the top of the list.

Sometimes I think that Lee Morgan is greater than Miles, Clifford, or Hubbard... When I hear this CD is one of these times. Like in Sidewinder, Lee is here insuperable. Jackie McLean, Hank Mobley (two genius) & Cedar Walton are perfect too. And hear Billy Higgins on drums! An underrated masterpiece.

Love this CD. I am a trumpet player and really enjoy listening to and playing along with it! I had the album, then the cassette, now I finally have the CD. This is timeless jazz.