Hank Mobley A Slice of the Top

This is probably one of the first Hank Mobley albums that I have given a serious listen to. The first two track are very straight ahead and kinda what I expected. Cute N' Pretty although light and swinging delivers. Kiane Zawadi on euphonium and Howard Johnson on tuba build a thick bass line behind Bob Crensaw on bass and McCoy Tyner's left hand. Lee Morgan struts his stuff and show why he is always mention when talking about trumpet players in this era. Mobley is more of the morter in the mix holding everything together. The arranging by Duke Pearson is great giving structure but not getting away from the Blue Note feel.
A touch of the Blues really showcases Mobley and his mellow, yet wonderful tone. The blues of the piece fits him well. Morgan plays with the rest of the horn line in an almost dance. The rhytmn section of Billy Higgins, Cranshaw, and Tyner holds everything together beautifully as Mobley belt his heart out. Tyner really shows up and Mobley exploits his versatility.
The title cut A slice of the top falls back to a mellow mood, and a slightly eastern sound. One of the four tracks Mobley writes on the album which is impressive. Hank finally takes charge of the band and feels that roll as leader.
After some reasearch I found out that this album was not released until 1979 which shocked me. At times listening to this album you forget that Hank Mobley is the leader and you think this might be an Lee Morgan album. I give this album 4 stars,

Art Blakey Free For All

The album comes out swinging with the title track Free for All. Wayne Shorter takes no time to let you know that he is playing his tenor sax on the album with heavy weight lines. The first solo was so bold I wondered what was to expect. The playing is some of the most gutsy and heavy lines that I have heard on a Blue Note hard bop album. Freddie Hubbard's trumpet playing is great as expected, but it seems a little distant from the tone Shorter has set. Curtis Fuller is on trombone and although consistent as always he seems to lack the punch that the set requires. Art Blakey is never outdone by the youngsters in front of him. He blisters the skins and thoroughly impresses. There is a reason that he is known as one of the best drummers ever.
The second track, Hammer Head is trying to be as heavy as the opener but it cannot quite get there. I think that is was only second on the album due to time issues.
Freddie Hubbard writes the first track on the b side and you can tell the different directions he and Shorter are going. This was the last album that they play together with Blakey on Blue Note.
The last track, Pensativa, is the light and soft track that end the album in a decresendo.
All and all the album is a good representation of hard bop, and what is to come from the blossoming musicians. I was happy with the performance and give it 3.5 stars.