Requisites

Cornbread ~ Lee Morgan | By Eddie Carter

A few nights ago, I was thinking about my mom and one of her favorite Sunday dinner meals for my sister and me growing up. It consisted of chicken wings, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, black-eyed peas and cornbread. This morning’s album from the library is Cornbread (Blue Note BLP 4222/BST 84222) by Lee Morgan. It was recorded in 1965 but not released until 1967, and is one of the best albums in the trumpeter’s catalog. He’s joined by a superb ensemble: Jackie McLean on alto saxophone; Hank Mobley on tenor saxophone; Herbie Hancock on piano; Larry Ridley on bass; and Billy Higgins on drums. The copy I own is the 1991 Toshiba-EMI Japanese Stereo reissue from Blue Note’s The 4000 Series Collection, sharing the original catalog number.

Side One opens with the title track, Cornbread by Lee Morgan. The rhythm section offers a soulful introduction, leading into the ensemble’s melody. Lee sets the table with a spirited main course, then Hank serves a succulent blues dish. Jackie brings the next plate of savory notes, followed by Herbie’s delicious dessert, completing the meal before the theme’s reprise and the trio’s tasty fadeout. Our Man Higgins, Lee’s tribute to Billy Higgins, showcases the lively interaction between the front line and the drummer during the theme. Jackie gets things started with a spirited interpretation, then Lee responds with a lively statement. Hank steps in next, paying dividends with an invigorating solo. Herbie follows with a captivating presentation, and Billy delivers the goods in a short workout before the sextet returns to take it out.

The second side opener shows that Lee Morgan could compose beautiful ballads, as in his Ceora. Herbie’s gentle, gracious introduction segues into the ensemble’s delicately polite melody. Lee brings soothing lyricism and warm affection to the lead solo. Hank then shares his heartfelt feelings with sincerity and sentimentality next. Herbie adds a romantic touch to the closing solo, leading to the group’s touching, emotional climax. Ill Wind by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler is a song from the thirties that begins with the trio’s introduction to the ensemble’s melody, with Lee on the mute throughout. Morgan then elegantly welcomes the lead solo like an old friend. Herbie breathes warmth into the second statement, then Lee and Hank give two concise comments preceding the closing chorus and soft finale.

Lee Morgan’s Most Like Lee wraps up the album with an energetic vibe, letting the group dive right into the melody. Hank starts things off with a vibrant, joyful solo, followed by Lee, who keeps the audience engaged with his captivating performance. Jackie glides smoothly into the third solo with his signature swing. Herbie follows with a very relaxing reading. Larry gets the last word and takes a short walk toward the theme’s reprise and climax. Alfred Lion produced the session, and Rudy Van Gelder managed the recording console. The album’s sound quality offers a sit-down listening experience, with a wide soundstage across the treble, midrange and bass that transports the musicians to your listening room with stunning fidelity.

If you’re a seasoned Lee Morgan fan or a new listener that’s looking for an album that can brighten any moment of the day or evening, or can be enjoyed whether you’re in a relaxed or serious mood, I happily recommend and invite you to pick up Cornbread the next time you’re at the record store. It’s a tasty, soulful, and nourishing slice of hard bop and post-bop music that’s not only a wonderful addition to your library but also perfect for spinning on your turntable!

~ Ill Wind – Source: JazzStandards.com © 2026 by Edward Thomas Carter

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