FRANK MORGAN ALLSTARS
Reflections (Contemporary)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Alto saxophonist Frank Morgan not only emulated his idol Charlie Parker's musical stylings, but he unfortunately emulated his life style as well. The outcome was to some degree similar. Although he didn't suffer Parker's young death, he suffered a three decade creative death after his 1955 debut as a leader. Thirty years of addiction, imprisonment and recovery passed before he reappeared on record in 1985. That reappearance found him clean of drugs, motivated by an incredible drive to create and in amazing command of his instrument considering his lengthy travails.

This 1988 session was organized by producer Orrin Keepnews, who helped Morgan assemble an "all-star" lineup that was truly deserving of the title. Morgan was joined in the front line by Joe Henderson's tenor and Bobby Hutcherson's vibes. That trio fronted a rhythm section that consisted of Mulgrew Miller on piano, Ron Carter on bass and Al Foster on drums. It's hard to imagine a stronger lineup.

With those players on hand, it wasn't hard to find material, either. There were several strong composing talents in the studio, and Miller, Hutcherson, Henderson and Carter all contributed strong tunes. Those were rounded out on the original release by the title track, a Thelonious Monk composition, and Sonny Rollins' "Sonnymoon For Two." The CD release includes a bonus cut of the Tizol/Ellington standard "Caravan."

A genuinely all-star sextet tackling strong originals and standards under an inspired and newly energized leader in the studio with one of the legendary jazz producers should turn out to be a good album. This one is considerably better than good, with creative solos from all corners and ensemble play that belies the fact that this was a band created for a session rather than one that had been working steadily for a while. If you're among those who keep the bop lamp burning, this is an album you need to hear.

Track List:

Old Bowl, New Grits * Reflections * Starting Over * Black Narcissus * Sonnymoon For Two * O.K. * Caravan

© 2000 - Shaun Dale