Straight No Filter finds tenor
Hank Mobley in several settings from the mid-'60s, each of them excellent. The overall roster is quite impressive, starting with the first set which features trumpeter
Lee Morgan, pianist
McCoy Tyner, bassist
Bob Cranshaw, and drummer
Billy Higgins. The upbeat title cut is given a loose, post-bop feel by
Tyner's comping, but things are brought back to earth by
Mobley's emotional playing. A number of exchanges between
Morgan and
Mobley's horns give the piece an effective ending. "Chain Reaction" gives this group nearly 11 minutes to stretch things out, while "Soft Impressions" features a heavy blues groove. A couple of other standouts on this album -- "This Feelin's Good" and "Yes Indeed" -- feature trumpeter
Donald Byrd, pianist
Herbie Hancock, bassist
Butch Warren, and drummer
Philly Joe Jones.
Hancock provides a distinctive backdrop for
Mobley and
Morgan's solos while turning in some fine work himself.
Mobley shines on
Sy Oliver's "Yes Indeed," delivering a soulful solo, shot through with the blues. His playing throughout
Straight No Filter is warm, accessible, and inventive, and it is instructive to have these sessions side by side, giving the listener a chance to compare
Mobley's work in different settings. It should be mentioned that he penned eight out of the nine of these fine compositions.
Bob Blumenthal's liner notes are helpful, breaking down the individual sessions and providing a good overview of
Mobley's career.
Straight No Filter will be welcomed by
Mobley's fans and lovers of hard bop. It shouldn't be missed. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.