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,
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