Easy Living
The ironically-titledEasy Livingis alto saxophonist Frank Morgan's comeback album after nearly three decades of personal setbacks due to drug addiction, illness, and jail. The 1985 session was his first as a leader since 1957, when his musical style earned the Los Angeles-based youngster a reputation as the next Charlie Parker. Parker is still referenced here ("Now's the Time") but Morgan returned with a more relaxed, mature sound, by turns elegantly lyrical, as on the beautiful McCoy Tyner waltz "Three Flowers," and slyly witty, as on Cedar Walton's "The Rubber Man." Walton's trio provides the perfect foil for Morgan--Walton's piano playing is gorgeous and drummer Billy Higgins works his magic throughout the set. Walton and Higgins take brilliant turns on Wayne Shorter's "Yes and No."--John Swenson