Lee Morgan and Clifford Jordan worked together on several studio dates under the trumpeter's leadership, but this 1968 live date, organized and recorded by the Left Bank Jazz Society in Baltimore, was evidently their final documented recording together. As on most recordings made by this group of dedicated jazz fans, the microphones focus on the soloists, while the out-of-tune piano is distorted and somewhat relegated to the background. On the plus side, both Morgan and Jordan seem very energized by the setting and solo at length without showing signs of overplaying, especially in the exciting opener, "Straight, No Chaser." The rhythm section is a good one, with pianist John Hicks, bassist Reggie Workman, and drummer Ed Blackwell. It's easy for hard bop fans to overlook the slight audio shortcomings, so this Fresh Sound CD is warmly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden

Rovi