This session is best known for introducing
Lee Morgan's beautiful ballad "Ceora," but actually all five selections (which include
Morgan's "Cornbread," "Our Man Higgins," "Most Like Lee," and the standard "Ill Wind") are quite memorable. The trumpeter/leader performs with a perfectly complementary group of open-minded and talented hard bop stylists (altoist
Jackie McLean,
Hank Mobley on tenor, pianist
Herbie Hancock, bassist Larry Ridley, and drummer
Billy Higgins) and creates a classic that is heartily recommended. [A Japanese edition of the
Cornbread was released in 2004.] ~ Scott Yanow