Hank Mobley - Four Classic Albums

The Guardian 100

(Avid)

For once, the word “classic” is justified. A tenor saxophonist of infinite subtlety and an ingenious composer, Hank Mobley was somewhat overshadowed by his contemporaries, Rollins and Coltrane. At his best, though, he was unbeatable, and these four albums – Peckin’ Time, Soul Station, Roll Call and Workout – are the best of his best. Recorded for Blue Note between 1958 and 1961, they burst with invention, wit and his unique brand of rhythmic sleight of hand. The fluency of it is so compelling that these pieces still sound fresh and exciting. The rhythm sections include pianist Wynton Kelly, bassist Paul Chambers and drummers Art Blakey and Philly Joe Jones.