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. ...
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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, Rovi
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