Lee Morgan Sealed Blue Note LP - Rumproller New - See Pic

"The Rumproller" is one of Lee Morgan's five finest albums for Blue Note, and considering he made roughly two dozen classics as a leader for the label, that's saying a lot.

Lee made three amazing albums in late 1963 and early 1964 -- "The Sidewinder," "Search For The New Land" and "Tom Cat." The material on these three albums varies wildly, which is a tribute to Morgan's creative genius. When the song "The Sidewinder" became an international hit in late 1964, everyone at Blue Note desperately wanted to copy its success, especially Lee. Unfortunately, none of the tunes from the albums that he had made earlier that year (mentioned above) had anything resembling the funky, catchy groove of "The Sidewinder." I have even heard from some places that Lee had difficulty coming up with a suitable follow-up himself. Thankfully for all parties Andrew Hill was able to come to the rescue with the song now known as "The Rumproller."

Well if it takes a village to raise a child, it took a considerable portion of the Blue Note family to make "The Rumproller." Not only did Andrew Hill write the album's hit title track, but Wayne Shorter contributed "Edda" . Add to that Morgan's band for the recording of Joe Henderson, Ronnie Matthews, Victor Sproles and Billy Higgins and you've got some of the labels brightest stars. Just as with "The Sidewinder" it's the musical talent and the strength of the album's other songs that makes "The Rumproller" a classic, not the top-40 hit title-track alone. From the gorgeous melody line of "Desert Moonlights," to the scorching calypso groove of "Eclipso," to the bright sunny day feel of "Edda," to Rudy Stevenson's touching ballad "The Lady" (written for Billie Holiday), all these songs are equally as good in their own way as the funky "Rumproller."

For years "The Rumproller" was one of Blue Note's most sought after deletions, and most requested reissues. Now that it is available again , you should not hesitate in buying this great album. Get off your rump and start rolling!

Track Listing:

The Rumproller
Desert Moonlight
Eclipso
Edda
The Lady

The Quintet:

Lee Morgan - Trumpet
Joe Henderson - Tenor Sax
Ronnie Matthews - Piano
Victor Sproles - Bass
Billy Higgins - Drums

Recorded 1965 on the Blue Note Label. This is a later issue and is catalog number ST 84199.

Liner notes by Leonard Feather.

Recorded by Rudy Van Gelder in his studios.

Review:

Lee Morgan's The Rumproller, considered to be the follow up album to his smash hit The Sidewinder is an album with plenty of highlights but lacks the classic status.

Pretty much every song has a great groove with very spry bass work by Victor Sproles (one wonders why he wasn't featured more on recordings)and really excellent drumming by one of my favorite drummers, Billy Higgins. His drumming is probably the standout of this album and he maintains the grooves well and plays so creatively and exciting throughout.

Morgan on trumpet and Joe Henderson (on tenor sax) have some really inspired moments (everyone plays superbly on the title cut, Morgan's solo is particularly good) but at times fall short. Ronnie Matthews is enjoyable throughout the album as well and contributes some nice solos.

"The Lady", the sole ballad of the album (and only song that doesn't make you want to move) finds Morgan using a mute to a nice effect.

"Venus Di Mildrew", one of the two Wayne Shorter compositions and the non-album track is a nice straight ahead hard bop tune with strong playing throughout that will have you snapping your fingers.

This is a solid outing following on the heels on The Sidewinder album Blue Note BLP 4157. And is considered am essential find for the fans of Lee Morgan and those mavens that collect Blue Note solid blowing sessions.

End Review:

This is a new sealed edition, never opened. Jacket is in new condition, zero edge wear, no split seams, no bar code.

Comes with clear jacket protector as well as a Mo-Fi Inner Sleeve.

Check out my other items for deals on vinyl albums on the classified site of Audiogon.

Shipping is $4.95 in the Continental U.S. via USPS Media Mail or $9.95 via USPS Priority Mail.

To destinations other than U.S.A. Keep in mind once your purchase is handed over to USPS (United States Postal Service) I am no longer responsible for its delivery or any intransit damages and no refunds will be issued. Buyer assumes all risk.

Ships in USPS approved cardboard LP mailer.