Hank Mobley – Third Season: Tone Poet Series (180g Vinyl LP)

All-Analog 180g Vinyl LP of Hank Mobley’s Third Season: Blue Note Tone Poet Reissue Mastered From the Original Master Tapes by Kevin Gray and Pressed at RTI

Recorded in 1967 but not released until 1980 as part of the LT Series, Hank Mobley’s Third Season was a typically high-caliber late-60s hard bop outing by the tenor saxophonist with a heavy focus on his own original compositions. Mobley had expanded his palette the year before on A Slice of the Top, an octet date featuring arrangements by Duke Pearson, but Third Season felt like a return to a looser, small group feel despite the fact that it still featured a 7-piece band. Joining Mobley here are alto saxophonist James Spaulding, trumpeter Lee Morgan, guitarist Sonny Greenwich, pianist Cedar Walton, bassist Walter Booker, and drummer Billy Higgins. The 6-song set includes Morgan’s blues “The Steppin’ Stone,” but otherwise presents a diverse collection of Mobley’s originals including the hard-charging opener “An Aperitif,” laid-back swinger “Don’t Cry, Just Sigh,” breezy “Boss Bossa,” gospel-tinged boogaloo “Give Me That Feelin’,” and the intricate title track.

This stereo Tone Poet Vinyl Edition was produced by Joe Harley, mastered by Kevin Gray (Cohearent Audio) from the origin.

Musicians:
Hank Mobley – Tenor Saxophone
James Spaulding – Alto Saxophone
Lee Morgan – Trumpet
Sonny Greenwich – Guitar
Cedar Walton – Piano
Walter Booker – Bass
Billy Higgins – Drums

Side A:

1. An Aperitif
2. Don’t Cry, Just Sigh
3. Steppin’ Stone

Side B:

1. The Third Season
2. Boss Bossa
3. Give Me That Feelin’