Search - Lee Morgan :: Search for the New Land (24bt) (Mlps)

Classic Morgan, classic Blue Note

Tyler Smith | Denver, CO United States | 12/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An album like "Search for the New Land" is noteworthy most of all for the quality of its musicianship, of course, but it also serves as a reminder of the loss that jazz suffered from Morgan's untimely death in 1972.Prior to the release of "Search for the New Land," Morgan had demonstrated he was something special on trumpet, most notably through his work with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, where he honed his skills and formed a lasting bond with saxophonist Wayne Shorter. He's reunited with Shorter on this album, and both of them show how well they were served by their apprenticeship with Blakey.For example, the title tune is a sophisticated composition that moves lyrically and unpredictably through nearly 16 minutes. It allows all the soloists (Morgan, Shorter, guitarist Grant Green, and pianist Herbie Hancock) plenty of room, but it is far more than a blowing session over a simple set of changes. It's an evocative tune with shifting passages that stimulates extremely creative work from all concerned.Morgan's jaunty, bouncing sound is also on good display here, with "The Joker" and "Morgan the Pirate," as his lyricism, in "Melancholee." Throughout, I'm reminded of what a great team he and Shorter made. Wayne's compelling combination of grittiness, lyricism, and melancholy match perfectly with the drive and humor I always found in Morgan's playing.If you have not yet discovered Lee Morgan, do yourself a favor and plunge into his Blue Note discography. "Search for the New Land" is a good opener, one that will provide compelling evidence that Morgan's death deprived jazz of one of its most eloquent voices."

A most introspective-Lee rewarding Search

Rudolph E. Krigger Jr. | St. Thomas, VI USA | 06/25/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If, like me, you have previously been mainly exposed to the bubbly, frenetic side of Lee Morgan's musical personality, "Search for the New Land" holds some pleasant surprises in store. This album showcases an instrospective side of Lee Morgan that exposes a poignant sensitivity in addition to his well known bouyancy and exuberance. I got this album four days ago and for some reason the disc just can't seem to find its way out of my CD player. Here are a couple reasons why. First, you simply can't get better personnel that Lee assembled for this session. Wayne Shorter, an old comrade from the Art Blakey days, is reunited with Lee on this date and its obvious that is one happy reunion! They blend perfectly with each other on the ensemble passages, and Wayne's sharp edges are the perfect foil for Lee's big round tone. Herbie Hancock, Grant Green, Reggie Workman and Billy Higgins combine to form what must be God's idea of a rhythm section. Secondly, this ablbum cooks! From the bubbling boil of 'Kenyatta' and 'Morgan the Pirate' to the slow-roasting lyricism of 'Search for the New Land' and 'Melancholee', every tune engages your palate with its own special flavor. This album is characterized by beautifully flowing solos in which these artists' formidable technique is nonetheless a servant, not a master, of their musical creativity. These men swing hard and every note has meaning. Third, you have to check out the writing! These tunes, all penned by Lee, are ample demonstration of Lee's muscial growth during this period. This album, more than any other on which I have heard Lee, gives an indication of the greatness that was snatched away from us with Lee's passing. In short, run, do not walk, to the nearest link to this album! 'Search for the New Land' is the real deal!"

Even better than "The Sidewinder"

G. Schramke | Vienna, Austria | 05/07/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow, Lee Morgan with Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Grant Green, Reggie Workman and Billy Higgins!When I picked up that CD while spending my holiday in Miami, I said to my wife: "Look at that personnel, those men can't do no wrong". Coming back home to Austria you can be sure that the first thing I did was listening to that great music. Regardless how successful Lee Morgan had been with his big hit "The Sidewinder", recorded just the year before, I think that many insiders will prefer this more subtle album. The long title tune is particulary rewarding, offering each soloist much space to explore. Get it and you will not be disapointed."