Requisites

Yardbird Suite ~ Frank Morgan Quartet | By Eddie Carter

A few evenings ago, I spent the time listening to a few saxophonist albums, and one in particular inspired thismorning’s discussion. I first heard Yardbird Suite (Contemporary Records C-14045) by the Frank Morgan Quartet on WNOP 740 AM, Cincinnati, Ohio’s then jazz station, when I lived there, and I forgot what an entertaining record it was. Recorded and released in 1988, it was my introduction to alto saxophonist Frank Morgan and was his seventh as a leader. On this homage to both bebop and Charlie Parker, Morgan is joined by an outstanding supporting cast: Mulgrew Miller on piano; Ron Carter on bass; and Al Foster on drums. The copy I own is the original U.S. Stereo Release.

The album opener is the title tune, Yardbird Suite by Charlie Parker. Mulgrew’s happy introduction sets the stage for the quartet’s lively melody. Frank opens with a splendid study of soulful improvisation, then Mulgrew relishes every moment of the following statement. Ron takes a short walk through the third reading, and Frank and Al share a brief conversation ahead of the group’s reprise and dead stop. The group maintains its swinging momentum with Night In Tunisia by Dizzy Gillespie and Frank Paparelli. Morgan takes the lead with a spirited solo, then Miller responds with a sizzling interpretation propelled by Carter and Foster into the theme’s restatement and soft summation.

Billie’s Bounce by Charlie Parker is taken at a medium pace and affords everyone solo space. The trio introduces the song, segueing into Frank's melody. Mulgrew leads the way with a vibrant performance. Frank soars joyously into the second solo, then Ron walks with spirit and vitality next. Frank and Al engage in a short exchange of ideas before the foursome’s closing chorus takes it out. Side Two opens with Star Eyes by Gene de Paul and Don Raye. The trio’s warmth and charm in their introduction lead to Morgan’s relaxed, mellow melody. He continues building the opening solo smoothly. Miller develops the following reading with finesse before the song concludes on an uplifting note.

The beat moves upward for Scrapple From The Apple by Charlie Parker, with the rhythm section’s introduction to Frank’s spirited theme. He then launches into the opening solo aggressively. Mulgrew takes over and hits an ideal groove in the following reading, then both soloists share a scintillating dialogue of musical ideas before the theme returns and the song ends. Skylark by Hoagy Carmichael and Johnny Mercer is one of the few songs Parker didn’t record during his lifetime. The quartet pays homage to the standard, beginning with the trio’s tender introduction to Morgan’s gorgeous melody. As the song’s only soloist, he creates an elegantly thoughtful interpretation ahead of the theme’s gentle reprise and close.

Orrin Keepnews produced Yardbird Suite, and Danny Kopelson was behind the recording console for this session. George Horn mastered the album, and it was recorded to and mastered from digital tape, using the Mitsubishi X-80 digital tape recorder. The album’s sound quality is superb, placing the musicians in the sweet spot of your listening room with a tremendous soundstage across the highs, midrange, and low end. If you’re in the mood for bop and are a fan of the alto saxophone, I invite you to check out Yardbird Suite by the Frank Morgan Quartet on your next record store visit. It’s an enjoyable album of great music by one of the jazz saxophonists, in my opinion, deserving of greater recognition!

~ Skylark, Star Eyes – Source: JazzStandards.com

© 2026 by Edward Thomas Carter

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