Frank Morgan Quartet - Yardbird Suite

2001 CD reissue.

Over a three-day period in January 1988, Frank Morgan and the illustrious members of the rhythm section heard here set down evidence that the alto saxophonist, who had only recently emerged from decades in obscurity, could take charge in both old and new jazz idioms. This album nods to the bebop tradition with a collection of songs primarily associated with Morgan’s original idol, Charlie Parker. The playing amply demonstrates that, while a clear keeper of Parker’s flame, Morgan had developed a personal sound and phrasing that made his interpretations of bop staples fresh and passionately dramatic. Like its companion Reflections, where Morgan and company are joined by Joe Henderson and Bobby Hutcherson in a more contemporary program, Yardbird Suite captures the exhilaration of a player whose decades of dues-paying were finally reaping dividends.

with Mulgrew Miller, Ron Carter, Al Foster