Hank Mobley Workout Edition: RVG Series CD

Personnel: Hank Mobley (tenor saxophone); Wynton Kelly (piano); Grant Green (guitar); Paul Chambers (bass); Philly Joe Jones (drums).
Reissue producer: Michael Cuscuna.
Recorded on March 26, 1961. Includes liner notes by Leonard Feather and Michael Cuscuna.
Personnel: Hank Mobley (tenor saxophone); Hank Mobley; Paul Chambers (upright bass); Grant Green (guitar); Wynton Kelly (piano); Philly Joe Jones (drums).
Audio Remasterer: Rudy Van Gelder.
Liner Note Author: Bob Blumenthal.
Recording information: Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ (03/26/1961).
This is one of the best-known Hank Mobley recordings, and for good reason. Although none of his four originals ("Workout," "Uh Huh," "Smokin'," "Greasin' Easy") caught on, the fine saxophonist is in top form. He jams on the four tunes, plus "The Best Things in Life Are Free," with an all-star quintet of young modernists -- guitarist Grant Green, pianist Wynton Kelly, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Philly Joe Jones -- and shows that he was a much stronger player than his then-current boss Miles Davis seemed to think. This recommended CD reissue adds a version of "Three Coins in the Fountain" from the same date, originally released on Another Workout, to the original LP program. ~ Scott Yanow
WORKOUT teams tenorman Hank Mobley with guitarist Grant Green for a rousing session that befits the title. Also in attendance are rhythm section aces Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers, and Philly Joe Jones, who provide swinging support. Muscular tunes like the title track and the aptly titled "Smokin'" are the focus here as the two expertly blow and wail through the changes like frenzied boxers in a title bout. Also included are Mobley's catchy blues number "Uh Huh" and masterful takes on the standards "The Best Things in Life Are Free" and "Three Coins in the Fountain." In all, it is easy to hear why WORKOUT is one of Mobley's quintessential recordings.
This is one of the best-known Hank Mobley recordings, and for good reason. Although none of his four originals ("Workout," "Uh Huh," "Smokin'," "Greasin' Easy") caught on, the fine saxophonist is in top form. He jams on the four tunes, plus "The Best Things in Life Are Free," with an all-star quintet of young modernists -- guitarist Grant Green, pianist Wynton Kelly, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Philly Joe Jones -- and shows that he was a much stronger player than his then-current boss Miles Davis seemed to think. This recommended CD reissue adds a version of "Three Coins in the Fountain" from the same date, originally released on Another Workout, to the original LP program. ~ Scott Yanow