ABC ABC Jazz

As a great Lee Morgan fan, while I enjoy the Blue Note Lighthouse session, I actually prefer the double CD on the Fresh Sounds label. This is incorrectly entitled "Live at the Lighthouse '70", but was in fact recorded at a San Francisco Club on that tour just before or after the Lighthouse (and was recorded and broadcast by a local radio station). The sound quality is not as good as the Blue Note (probably being a recording of the broadcast), but the group is even more fiery (especially Maupin).
I also like Morgan's album with the late Clifford Jordan, and I discussed Lee with Clifford (and also Billy Harper) when I toured both of those tenor saxophonists.

Lethal Lee Morgan and his band are truly on fire here! My all time favourite boxed set. Although comprised of only three discs, there isn't a flat moment on it. Even Lee's ultra-cool introduction on Disc One is worth a listen and contrasts with the heat to follow on "Beehive". The real burner for me however, is "Neophilia", on Disc Two. Bennie Maupin's haunting opening on bass clarinet eventually leads into a passionate climax and all concerned 'own-up' in their almost seductive solos. Disc Three ends with - you guessed it - "The Sidewinder". Essential listening for all Lee Morgan fans - and not too many of us aren't. Sensational kick-butt music from a man at the top of his game who would tragically leave us soon after this album was recorded.