Search - Frank Morgan :: Bop

Good All Around

Chris | Clemson, SC USA | 03/25/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bop! is a collection of bebop standards by Parker, Monk, etc. Morgan's solos are more original than could be expected. Many of these tunes have been played so many times that certain bebop cliches have become as much a part of the song as the original written parts! As a saxophone player I very much like his tone and see it as a nice break from that of the modern David Sanborn-imitating saxophonists. The rhythm section plays very well, too. The bass player stands out. This CD's good all around, and it's worth buying if you are interested in hearing a new interpretation of Parker/Monk, experiencing a modern take on bebop, or have cash to spend and would like good music. I'd give it *4 AND A HALF STARS* if that were an option. Very nice."

Lyrical, beautiful bebop

Bomojaz | South Central PA, USA | 07/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Anyone who thinks bebop means breakneck tempos combined with "bombs away" drumming should listen to this CD. Only one of these tunes is taken up-tempo, and Leroy Williams's drumming on it (52nd STREET THEME) is sensitive and lyrical. In fact, lyrical is the best word to describe this entire CD. Frank Morgan's alto playing is airy and delicate, and is most effective on medium-tempo selections, with John Lewis's MILANO a typical example. A couple of the tunes are Monk compositions, and pianist Rodney Kendrick emulates Thelonious with great skill and élan. K.C. BLUES is a slow blues, as was the original recording by Bird, and the group goes way downhome to get to the essence of it. LOVER MAN is taken perhaps a tad too slow (it feels draggy after a while), but everything else on this CD is magnificent and plays to the heart. This is bebop played lyrically and sensitively: Beautiful!"