A Slice of the Top (album)

A Slice of the Top is an album by jazz saxophonist Hank Mobley recorded on March 18, 1966 but not released on the Blue Note label until 1979. It features performances by Mobley with Lee Morgan, Kiane Zawadi, Howard Johnson, James Spaulding, McCoy Tyner, Bob Cranshaw and Billy Higgins with arrangements by Duke Pearson. On the original LP, Reggie Workman was mistakenly identified as the bassist.

Reception
The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow awarded the album 4½ stars stating "Mobley, who continued to evolve into a more advanced player throughout the 1960s, fits right in with such adventurous players as altoist James Spaulding, trumpeter Lee Morgan (with whom Mobley recorded frequently), pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Reggie Workman and drummer Billy Higgins. The inclusion of Kiane Zawadi on euphonium and Howard Johnson on tuba adds a lot of color to this memorable outing.".

Track listing

 * All compositions by Hank Mobley except as indicated


 * 1) "Hank's Other Bag" – 7:12
 * 2) "There's a Lull in My Life" (Gordon, Revel) – 5:25
 * 3) "Cute 'N Pretty" – 7:36
 * 4) "Touch of Blue" – 8:46
 * 5) "Slice of the Top" - 9:40

Personnel

 * Hank Mobley &mdash; tenor saxophone, arranger
 * Kiane Zawadi &mdash; euphonium
 * Howard Johnson &mdash; tuba
 * James Spaulding &mdash; alto saxophone, flute
 * Lee Morgan &mdash; trumpet
 * McCoy Tyner &mdash; piano
 * Bob Cranshaw &mdash; bass
 * Billy Higgins &mdash; drums
 * Duke Pearson &mdash; arranger