Album - Sharp Edge

Sharp Edge (1961) Black Lion Records
BLACK LION BLP 60110



This recording has been reissued several times under various labels, but its first incarnation was for Black Lion Records, as BLACK LION BLP 60110, with the cover above.

Album Notes
Sharp Edge was recorded on the Black Lion label in 1961 featuring trumpeter Howard McGhee.

McGhee was in the midst of rebounding from drug addiction at the time of this 1961 session, as he had recorded and played only sporadically over the previous five years.

The band that he assembled for this recording includes bassist George Tucker, drummer Jimmy Cobb, pianist Junior Mance, and on six of the tracks, tenor saxophonist George Coleman

McGhee composed four of the songs and did all of the arrangements on this album.

His sinewy muted trumpet is a highlight of his “Shades of Blue” as he engages Tucker in a call-and-response to introduce his tasty blues.

“Cool” is a punchy bop vehicle with potent solos by Coleman, McGhee and Mance.

McGhee’s “Topside” begins as a Latin-flavored vehicle, switching to straight-ahead bop in the midst of his fiery solo.

Composer Tom McIntosh penned the moody ballad “The Day After,” in which Coleman provides a lush counter-melody behind the leader in this miniature.

McGhee delivers the heat in his mid-tempo blues “Sharp Edge,” complimented by Coleman’s spacious solo that rolls into an energetic chorus as well.

His emotional muted trumpet introduces the standard “Ill Wind” over Mance’s soft, hypnotic backing, with the mood changing as Coleman makes his bluesy entrance.

McGhee switches gears to a more upbeat setting for his third and final solo chorus. Mance is the dominate soloist in Freeman Lee's little known "My Delight," though McGhee makes his presence felt.

The underrated George Tucker, who died suddenly in 1965, along with the still very active Jimmy Cobb, provide terrific support throughout the session.

Sidemen
In addition to McGhee on the trumpet, the recording featured these sidemen:


 * George Coleman - Tenor Saxophone
 * Junior Mance - Piano
 * Jimmy Cobb - Drums
 * George Tucker - Bass

Producer
Chris Albertson produced the recording.