Henry (Hank) Mobley (July 7, 1930 – May 30, 1986) was an American hard bop … Read Full Bio ↴Henry (Hank) Mobley (July 7, 1930 – May 30, 1986) was an American hard bop and soul jazz tenor saxophonist and composer. Mobley was described by Leonard Feather as the "middleweight champion of the tenor saxophone", a metaphor used to describe his tone that was neither as aggressive as John Coltrane nor as mellow as Stan Getz. His style was laid-back, subtle and melodic, especially in contrast with players like Sonny Rollins and John Coltrane, and it took many jazz connoisseurs until after his demise to fully appreciate his talent.
Mobley was born in Eastman, Georgia, but was raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey, near Newark. Early in his career, he worked with Dizzy Gillespie and Max Roach. He took part in one of the landmark hard bop sessions, alongside Art Blakey, Horace Silver, Doug Watkins and trumpeter Kenny Dorham. The results of these sessions were released as Horace Silver & the Jazz Messengers. They contrasted with the classical pretensions of cool jazz, with Mobley's rich lyricism being bluesier, alongside the funky approach of Horace Silver. When The Jazz Messengers split in 1956, Mobley continued on with pianist Horace Silver for a short time, although he did work again with Blakey some years later, when the drummer appeared on Mobley's albums in the early 60s.
During the 1960s, he worked chiefly as a leader, recording 25 albums for Blue Note Records, including Soul Station and Roll Call, between 1955 and 1970. He performed with many of the most important hard bop players, such as Grant Green, Freddie Hubbard, Sonny Clark, Wynton Kelly and Philly Joe Jones, and formed a particularly productive partnership with trumpeter Lee Morgan. Mobley is widely recognized as one of the great composers of originals in the hard-bop era, with interesting chord changes and room for soloists to spread out.
His 1961 album, Another Workout, while considered an instant classic, was inexplicably not released until 1985.
Mobley also spent a brief time in 1961 with Miles Davis, during the trumpeter's search for a replacement for John Coltrane. He is heard on the album Someday My Prince Will Come (alongside Coltrane, who returned for the recording of some tracks), and some live recordings (Miles Davis - In Person Friday And Saturday Nights At The Blackhawk, Complete and At Carnegie Hall). Though considered by some as not having the improvisational fire of Coltrane, Mobley was still a major voice on tenor saxophone, known for his melodic playing.
Mobley was forced to retire in the mid-1970s due to lung problems. He worked briefly with Duke Jordan before his death from pneumonia in 1986.
Mobley was born in Eastman, Georgia, but was raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey, near Newark. Early in his career, he worked with Dizzy Gillespie and Max Roach. He took part in one of the landmark hard bop sessions, alongside Art Blakey, Horace Silver, Doug Watkins and trumpeter Kenny Dorham. The results of these sessions were released as Horace Silver & the Jazz Messengers. They contrasted with the classical pretensions of cool jazz, with Mobley's rich lyricism being bluesier, alongside the funky approach of Horace Silver. When The Jazz Messengers split in 1956, Mobley continued on with pianist Horace Silver for a short time, although he did work again with Blakey some years later, when the drummer appeared on Mobley's albums in the early 60s.
During the 1960s, he worked chiefly as a leader, recording 25 albums for Blue Note Records, including Soul Station and Roll Call, between 1955 and 1970. He performed with many of the most important hard bop players, such as Grant Green, Freddie Hubbard, Sonny Clark, Wynton Kelly and Philly Joe Jones, and formed a particularly productive partnership with trumpeter Lee Morgan. Mobley is widely recognized as one of the great composers of originals in the hard-bop era, with interesting chord changes and room for soloists to spread out.
His 1961 album, Another Workout, while considered an instant classic, was inexplicably not released until 1985.
Mobley also spent a brief time in 1961 with Miles Davis, during the trumpeter's search for a replacement for John Coltrane. He is heard on the album Someday My Prince Will Come (alongside Coltrane, who returned for the recording of some tracks), and some live recordings (Miles Davis - In Person Friday And Saturday Nights At The Blackhawk, Complete and At Carnegie Hall). Though considered by some as not having the improvisational fire of Coltrane, Mobley was still a major voice on tenor saxophone, known for his melodic playing.
Mobley was forced to retire in the mid-1970s due to lung problems. He worked briefly with Duke Jordan before his death from pneumonia in 1986.
No Room for Squares
Hank Mobley Lyrics
We have lyrics for these tracks by Hank Mobley:
Easy to Love I know too well that I'm just wasting precious time In…
Goin' Out Of My Head Well, I think I'm goin' out of my head Yes, I…
How Deep Is The Ocean How much do I love you? I'll tell you no lie How…
I Married an Angel There's been a change in me! I have a lovely disposition T…
Just You Just Me Just you, just me Let's find a cozy spot To cuddle and…
Me 'n You Just you, just me Let's find a cozy spot To cuddle and…
Reach Out Now if you feel that you can't go on Because…
Reach Out I'll Be There Now if you feel that you can't go on Because…
The Best Things In Life Are Free {Janet} Are you ready? Free, free, baby, Boy, when you loo…
The Good Life Every time it rains It rains pennies from heaven Don't you…
The More I See You Each time I look at you is like the first…
Wham and They're Off Hôm qua anh thấy... Ôi người ấy, đang trong tay với…
The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos
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Mike Jaz
Most definitely one of the the hippest albums of the hard-bop era. I have had this treaured beauty in my collection for over 30 years now.
NotYourTypicalNegro
One of the greatest albums of all time in jazz. When introducing people -- particularly young people -- to what jazz is, this is an album that should be played. Should definitely go into the time capsule. This ish swing hard AF.
Steve Cook
one of the most underrated tenor men ever
Romain Bertrand
Brilliant from A to Z. One of my favorite jazz piece.
Eddie Morgan
It’s been a favorite of mine for years since I heard it on WRTI played by veteran DJ Bob Perkins. It’s a Smokin’ Hot Track with a simple melody. The solos by Lee Morgan & Hank M are Outstanding!
rene trossman
Some of the best stuff ever recorded in the history of jazz.
Paul Turnet
Not an overstatement, right on point,!! everyone turned in MASTERFUL performances here indeed !!!!! 🤗
Najponk Jazz
Happy Birthday HANK MOBLEY 🎷🎁🎂🥃🍻🎈🎶🗽🇺🇸
Rodrigo Lima
Totally!
Rodrigo Lima
Yes I agree!