¡Caramba!

by Lee Morgan

Overview

Until its 1996 reissue, this was one of the most obscure of all Lee Morgan Blue Note albums. A transitional effort that finds the trumpeter gradually moving beyond hard bop into more modal music, the date starts out with the surprisingly derivative title cut which is very similar to Eddie Harris' "Listen Here." Of the other selections, "Soulita" has the catchiest melody while Cal Massey's slow ballad "A Baby's Smile" was previously unreleased. While Morgan and his fine rhythm section (pianist Cedar Walton, bassist Reggie Workman and drummer Billy Higgins) are in typically swinging form, Caramba is most notable for featuring the young Bennie Maupin. Sticking exclusively to tenor, Maupin (who would be much more distinctive within a year) mixes together Joe Henderson and Wayne Shorter in winning fashion. Although not essential, this CD is a welcome reissue. ~ Scott Yanow

Product Details

Release Date:	05/31/2024
Label:	Universal Japan
UPC:	4988031631546
Rank:	81506

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Lee Morgan   Primary Artist,Trumpet
Reggie Workman   Guest Artist,Bass
Billy Higgins   Guest Artist,Drums
Cedar Walton   Guest Artist,Piano
Bennie Maupin   Guest Artist,Sax (Tenor)

Technical Credits

Patrick Roques   Redesign
Cal Massey   Composer
Calvin Massey   Composer
Francis Wolff   Producer,Photography
Leonard Feather   Liner Notes
Lee Morgan   Composer
Rudy Van Gelder   Engineer
Michael Cuscuna   Reissue Producer