Terell Stafford is a God-chosen pick to deliver a tribute to legendary trumpeter Lee Morgan. He’s got the ability to capture Morgan’s swagger as well as lyricism, yet keep his own voice as he teams up with Tim Warfield/ts, Bruce Barth/p, P eter Washington/b and Dana Hall/dr through songs composed by , made famous by, or dedicated to Morgan. The band snaps and cracks like a whip on quicksilver boppers such as “Hocus Pocus” and “Speedball” which also allow Warfield’s muscular tenor to flex and show off some veins. Stafford is majestic on the latin-charged “Mr. Kenyatta” and delivers an aria with Barth and Washington on a moonlit “Candy.” The band shows it’s machismo on “Petty Larceny” and Washington’s bass does the boogaloo on “Yes You Can, No You Can’t.” Stafford squeezes out his notes like he’s spitting out grapefruit seeds on his dedication to Morgan on “Favor” and goes soft and tender, mellow and lovely on ”Carolyn.” A Bunsen burner of a session.
Capri Records