Having already been a highly skilled player for over 20 years, altoist
Lanny Morgan's recorded debut as a leader was long overdue. The seven selections -- four boppish originals, including the "Just Friends"-based "Friends Again," and three standards -- match
Morgan (who also plays a bit of soprano) with guitarist
Bruce Forman, pianist
Lou Levy, bassist
Monty Budwig and drummer
Nick Ceroli;
Don Rader's flugelhorn is added to the title cut. The music is heated bebop, with
Morgan's runthrough of "Ko Ko" being a highlight. Such a pity that this Palo Alto LP (which has extensive liner notes by Herb Wong) has not yet been reissued on CD. ~ Scott Yanow