Frank Morgan: A Night in the Life: Live at the Jazz Standard, Vol. 3

Morgan's spiritual connection to Charlie Parker is blatant throughout, and his endearing take on the Bird anthems "Confirmation and "Billie's Bounce creates the feel of an all-out tribute disc. The saxophonist's cool approach is matched by unbridled flurries of double-time runs played with uncanny timing. Every familiar sounding twist and turn from the bebop canon is delivered with vibrancy.

Cables proves himself a sympathetic accompanist to Morgan's no-nonsense style. Always an exciting soloist, the pianist stretches out impulsively on "On Green Dolphin Street and is technically dazzling on "Half Nelson. Lundy and Hart each receive ample room for extended solos that display their muscular, swinging approach.

It would be too convenient to write off A Night in the Life as just another blowing session with predictable results. What makes this set worthwhile, as well as the previously released City Nights: Live at the Jazz Standard, Volume 1 and Raising the Standard: Live at the Jazz Standard, Volume 2, is the uninhibited passion of an authentic master bearing his soul to an audience who is appreciative of the lyrical offerings being captured.

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