Hank Mobley

Henry (Hank) Mobley (July 7, 1930 - May 30, 1986) was an American hard bop and soul jazz tenor saxophonist. Mobley was described by Leonard Feather as the "middleweight champion of the tenor saxophone", a metaphor used to describe his tone that was neither as aggressive as John Coltrane nor as mellow as Stan Getz.

Related Topics:
July 7 - 1930 - May 30 - 1986 - American - Hard bop - Soul jazz - Saxophonist - John Coltrane - Stan Getz

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Mobley was born in Eastman, Georgia. He was an original member of the Jazz Messengers, then joined Horace Silver's group when Silver left the Messengers. He took part on one of the germinal sessions which would cause the hard bop movement to rise, alongside Blakey, Silver and trumpeter Kenny Dorham. The results of these sessions were released as Horace Silver and the Jazz Messengers. They were in contrariety to the classical pretentions of cool jazz, with Mobley's rich lyricism being bluesier, alongside the funky approach of Horace Silver.

Related Topics:
Eastman, Georgia - Jazz Messengers - Horace Silver - Hard bop - Kenny Dorham - Cool jazz

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During the 1960s he worked chiefly as a leader, although he spent a brief time with Miles Davis. His brief tenure with the group of is heard on the record Someday My Prince Will Come. Though criticized by some for not having the improvisational fire of his predecessor in the group, John Coltrane, Mobley was still a major voice on tenor saxophone. Known for his melodic playing, Mobley was forced to retire in the mid-1970s due to lung problems.

Related Topics:
Miles Davis - John Coltrane

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He is best known for his 25 albums on Blue Note Records, including Soul Station and Roll Call, recorded between 1955 and 1970, on which he performed with many of the most important hard bop players.

Related Topics:
Blue Note Records - Hard bop

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