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Lee Morgan: Here's Lee Morgan
ByWhile Craft Recordings' new OJC reissue series has largely drawn from its treasure trove of Prestige and Riverside titles, the label recently expanded its scope to include two standout jazz albums from Chicago's historic Vee-Jay Records. Founded in 1953 by husband-and-wife team James Bracken and Vivian Carter, Vee-Jay was not only one of the earliest Black-owned and woman-owned labels but also a remarkably eclectic imprint. Known for its blues releasesand even some early Beatles recordsVee-Jay also documented top-tier jazz artists such as

Wynton Kelly
piano1931 - 1971

Wayne Shorter
saxophone1933 - 2023

Lee Morgan
trumpet1938 - 1972
In the case of Morgan, the trumpeter was already a rising star with several Blue Note recordings under his belt. His second major creative chapter unfolded in late 1959, when he toured Europe with

Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers
band / ensemble / orchestra
Clifford Jordan
saxophone, tenor1931 - 1993

Wynton Kelly
piano1931 - 1971

Paul Chambers
bass, acoustic1935 - 1969

Art Blakey
drums1919 - 1990
Half of the album's tracks were penned by Morgan himself. The opener, "Terrible 'T," nods to

Bobby Timmons
piano1935 - 1974
Morgan turns to the muted trumpet for "I'm a Fool to Want You," as was his custom on ballads, and Kelly follows with a delicate, filigreed solo. "Running Brook," contributed by fellow Messenger

Wayne Shorter
saxophone1933 - 2023
Kelly's bright, tinkling piano intro sets up Milt Jackson's "Off Spring," with Blakey's rim clicks later echoing the theme. The album closes with Morgan's "Bess," where he and Jordan trade phrasesMorgan again on mutewhile Kelly reminds us why he was among the era's most sensitive and supportive accompanists.
Special mention must go to the sonics of this reissue. The original Bell Sound tapes have always been a cut above, and this pressing brings out a new level of clarity and depth. While past CD editions (often with bonus tracks) have offered solid fidelity, this is easily the best this music has ever sounded. Here's hoping Craft digs even deeper into the Vee-Jay vaults. ">
Track Listing
Terrible "T"; Mogie; I'm A Fool To Want You; Running Brook; Off Spring; Bess.
Personnel
Lee Morgan
trumpetClifford Jordan
saxophone, tenorWynton Kelly
pianoPaul Chambers
bass, acousticArt Blakey
drumsAlbum information
Title: Here's Lee Morgan | Year Released: 1960 | Record Label: Craft Recordings
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