HANK MOBLEY
Straight No Filter (Blue Note)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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Hank Mobley was a "tweener." The sound of his tenor saxophone fell midway between the light, airy sound of Lester Young and Stan Getz and the heavy, dense sound of Coleman Hawkins and Sonny Rollins. "Tweeners" usually have to work twice as hard to achieve the recognition and praise they deserve. For example, many books about the history of jazz, when discussing the decades of the 1950s and 1960s, either fail to mention Mobley, or relegate him to a footnote. Yet Mobley was a major contributor to the Bop movement as one of the founding members of the Jazz Messengers, and later was the premier tenor for Blue Note Records during their heyday. In addition, his playing significantly contributed to bands led by Tadd Dameron, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Lee Morgan, Sonny Clark, Art Farmer, Milt Jackson, Philly Joe Jones, and Jimmy Smith to name just a few.

Mobley's sound was always warm and full of passion, sticking relatively closely to the melody and beat. Straight No Filter is a wonderful example of his approach to music. Originally recorded on four dates from 1963 to 1965 and re-released in 2000 as part of Blue Notes limited edition "Connoisseur CD Series," eight of the nine songs were written by Mobley, and all are wonderful compositions, with superbly crafted solos throughout. His band mates for these sessions were among the elite of jazz. On three of the numbers Mobley was joined by Lee Morgan on trumpet, McCoy Tyner on piano, Bob Crenshaw on bass, and Billy Higgens on drums. Joining Mobley for two songs were Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, Barry Harris on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and Billy Higgens on drums. Another two pieces featured Mobley, Lee Morgan on trumpet, Andrew Hill on piano, John Ore on bass, and Philly Joe Jones on drums. The final two songs consist of Mobley, Donald Byrd on trumpet, Herbie Hancock on piano, Butch Warren on bass, and Philly Joe Jones on drums.

I find Hank Mobley's music to be profoundly eloquent, improving with each additional listen. Nothing about Mobley's music can be considered "tweener". It is simply brilliant. If you like pure and primal jazz then consider purchasing Straight No Filter. And discover for yourself the undiluted joy of Mobley's music.

© 2001 - Ron Saranich