Search For The New Land

1 Search for the New Land - 15:45 2 The Joker - 5:04 3 Mr. Kenyatta - 8:43 4 Melancholee - 6:14 5 Morgan the Pirate - 6:31

This 1964 session is one of the high points of Lee Morgan's mature art, with the trumpeter exploring modal structures and bringing a fresh, concentrated seriousness to both his writing and his playing. A new depth is apparent in the 15-minute title track, a profoundly meditative piece that's very much in the period style of two of his sidemen here, tenor saxophonist Wayne Shorter and pianist Herbie Hancock. There's a new sense of creative power, too, in the anthemlike "Mr. Kenyatta," while Morgan's talent for hard swinging is still in evidence on "The Joker." Guitarist Grant Green is clearly inspired by playing in a context that was unusual for him, and his lean bluesiness adds another dimension to the session. Bassist Reggie Workman and drummer Billy Higgins are a fluid and forceful combination, providing substantial drive and consistently shaping the music with the soloists. --Stuart Broomer

Price: $14.98