Lee Morgan: The Last Session

The Last Session is the fascinating final chapter in the recording career of Lee Morgan (1938-1972). Formerly a double album set known simply as Lee Morgan, this September 1971 date captures the trumpeter in a most unusual octet setting with seemingly opposing personalities. Morgan and company tackle five long, modally-based songs here and while it's not always satisfying, compelling sounds and styles are explored throughout (most memorably from tenor man Billy Harper). Harper's "Capra Black" opens the disc in a Coltrane-like modal/free context. Morgan, tenor man Billy Harper and trombonist Grachan Moncur III solo individually and collectively, while pianist Harold Mabern lays down Tyneresque chordal vamps. Harper shines brightest here, but Morgan fans will welcome the familiarity of the trumpeter's and pianist's solos. Morgan returns to more familiar modal ground on Mabern's 16-minute "In What Direction Are You Headed?," the album's best track. Flautist Bobbi Humphrey, sounding a little too much like Hubert Laws with less personality, is introduced here and Mabern does his thing appealingly on electric piano. Here, Morgan is in his element and plays well to prove it. Moncur and Harper also take long, worthwhile solos.

The group trudges through less interesting titles like Jymie Merrit's "Angela" and Billy Harper's modal waltz, "Croquet Ballet" (where Harper's impressive solo unfortunately highlights the awkwardness of Morgan's spot). Freddie Waits' "Inner Passions Out" is just too long and too ponderous, but, as elsewhere, interesting sounds come from Harper and Moncur. Such explorative (and mostly non-electric) sounds like this weren't too common in jazz in 1972 and prompt one to consider which directions Morgan would have explored after The Last Session. But those who admire Billy Harper will be most satisfied by Morgan's menu here.

Tracks:Capra Black; In What Direction Are You Headed?; Angela; Crquet Ballet; Inner Passions Out.