Lee Morgan – Taru

Does anyone else think this material deserves the Tone Poet treatment?

I am surprised how good this one sounds, just listed to a Tone Poet before and expected worse.

From 1968, first released in 1980, engineered by Rudy Van Gelder, here's a solid effort by band leader Lee Morgan, alongside the brash toned tenor of Bennie Maupin. A worthy rhythm section includes Reggie Workman and Billy Higgins. George Benson is here but only shows up on three tracks.

The highlight here is the last track, "Durem", a funky cousin of "Sidewinder", which features a punchy distorted George Benson solo.

This is the 2009 repress, and I've been hesitant to pick this up until finding some actual reviews. Finally decided to take a chance and it is pleasantly enjoyable. This sealed copy needed brushing and cleaning to make it presentable, and this mildly warped.

Some soul jazz and hard bop within. Nice clean recording and mix. Tenor tone overly bright.

3.5 stars. Recommended.

Just played it, and I have to say I'm surprised how good this one sounds. Sure it isn't a modern AAA reissue but it sounds on par with any other vinyl record that gets released today. I can recommend this one, very nice reissue.

Should be awful - its Rainbo and i reckon its digital too - but you know what, despite being warped it plays fine, no major nasty noises and the sound quality is acceptable. It was £13 which in 2021 is hard to argue with. Would i prefer to pay double for a full on Tone Poet... of course! Can i? Not yet.

This is a Rhino/Scorpio reissue, pressed by Rainbo Records. Based on the Rainbo catalog numbers in the runout, it is probably a 2007 pressing.