u/Cosmicoverseer777

“Riverside Drive” is a jazz compilation that draws inspiration from the iconic work of Riverside Records. The top jazz artists from the 50s we’re featuring include Thelonious Monk, Kenny Dorham, Donald Byrd, Clark Terry, Johnny Griffin, Sonny Rollins, Hank Mobley, Max Roach, and many others. Donald Byrd and Hank Mobley are on two tracks, playing with the Kenny Drew quintet. This is a 1958 DG mono Riverside Records 12-267. #mobleyrelated

Here’s my analysis of our previous discussion about Lee Morgan and Hank Mobley. Today, we’ll discuss one of my favorites from this amazing duo. The album is titled “Charisma,” released in 1969 by Blue Note Records. Also featured is altoist Jackie McLean, who took part in the successful recording “Cornbread.” Cedar Walton: piano, Paul Chambers: bass, and Billy Higgins: drums. This performance is built on a swinging foundation provided by musicians who are featured on many Blue Note albums. Overall, this is top-tier mid-60s hard bop, and Morgan excels on the uncomplicated but potent uptempo tracks featured heavily on the record. You’ll probably want to hit repeat on “The Double Up,” the album’s cookin’ and hard-swinging blues, which concludes the record. The musicians seem relaxed on “Hey Chico” and Duke Pearson’s “Sweet Honey Bee,” yet never sounding dull. Their passion for the music is obvious, and they excel in every solo performance. Mobley’s saxophone tone is like butter, gliding through the music while retaining jazz’s fiery passion.
The complete collection of Morgan’s recordings released by Blue Note is highly recommended for any collector, and among these, “Charisma” stands out as an exceptional album, rivaling the quality of “Search for the New Land,” “Sidewinder,” and his later live performances recorded at the Lighthouse, all of which are essential additions to a collection. This is a stereo pressing from 1969 on Blue Note/Liberty Records.