HANK MOBLEY
Hi Voltage (Blue Note)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

---

Hi Voltage, by Hank Mobley, is a great CD. Recorded in 1967 and recently released as part of Blue Note's Rudy Van Gelder Edition remasters, Hi Voltage features six songs all written by Mobley that accentuate his exceptional compositional and arranging skills. Throughout the session, Mobley's tenor sax playing exhibited heart felt warmth and bewitching inventiveness. A mature 37 at the time of the original recording, Mobley displayed a keen ability to emotionally occupy his songs, playing with great lyricism on the ballads and unbridled passion on the scorchers. The rest of the band featured some of the best jazz artists of the decade: Jackie McLean on alto sax, Blue Mitchell on trumpet, John Hicks on piano, Bob Cranshaw on bass, and Billy Higgins on drums. These musicians, veterans of many hard bop and modal jazz sessions, played superbly as an ensemble, elevating the music above the standard ad hoc blowing session.

At this point in his career, Mobley had a lot to say musically, and it's all of interest. Mobley's tenor playing possessed a beauty which was breathtaking, plus he was a master at selecting the perfect tempo for a song. Hi Voltage, a fully realized album, is a eloquent reminder of Mobley's vast talent. It belongs in any serious jazz collection, as do most of Mobley's Blue Note releases. Highest Recommendation!

© 2005 - Ron Saranich