Lee Morgan Candy

Personnel: Lee Morgan (trumpet); Sonny Clark (piano); Doug Watkins (bass); Art Taylor (drums).
Producer: Alfred Lion.
Reissue producer: Michael Cuscuna.
Recorded on November 18, 1957 & February 2, 1958. Includes liner notes by Robert Levin & Michael Cuscuna.
A seminal figure in the golden age of Blue Note records, Lee Morgan was the definition of the '50s post-bop trumpet style and sound. His album CANDY from 1958 is a quintissential document of the easy swing and tight ensemble work that was prominant before the onset of hard-bop and free-jazz of the '60s. Morgan's nimble lines and smooth sound contrast perfectly with drummer Art Taylor's jumping solo spots in the opening title track. The bluesy ballad "Since I Fell For You" is just smokey and subtle enough to melt even the coldest heart. Jimmy Heath's "C.T.A." and Irving Berlin's "Who Do You Love, I Hope" are nice-and-quick workouts that find pianist Sonny Clarke and bassist Doug Watkins in perfect sync with Taylor in support of their agil leader. For Sinatra fans, Morgan's reading of the classic "All The Way" is a beautiful interpretation that would make Old Blue Eyes smile. Overall, this is a golden snapshot of one of the most stylish trumpeters in jazz.

• Format: Vinyl
• Genre: Jazz