Lee Morgan

“He had a fat, crisp tone, a good range, and he played with immense expressiveness and urgency—a style rooted in the inflexions of the blues, with slurred and bent notes, funky phrases, and great rhythmic momentum.” –Ian Carr re Lee Morgan, Jazz: The Rough Guide

One of jazz’ most prodigious and tragic figures, Lee Morgan is again the subject of a weekend tribute at the Artists Quarter, courtesy of the Jon Pemberton Quintet. Morgan was considered by many to be the pre-eminent bop trumpeter of the 1960s. As a teen sideman for John Coltrane and leader in his own right, Morgan was the acclaimed successor to Clifford Brown, beginning professional gigs around his native Philadelphia at age 15, shortly after Brown’s death. By 18 he was playing with Dizzy Gillespie, was on the front line for Coltrane’s Blue Train in 1957, recorded two hit Blue Note sides as a leader shortly thereafter, and soon joined Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. In 1963, he released his biggest hit, The Sidewinder. All together, Lee Morgan recorded over 30 albums in his short 33 years, a life that ended violently on a New York club stage at the hand of his common-law wife.

Jon Pemberton © Andrea Canter

The legacy of Lee Morgan will be celebrated September 4-5 at the Artists Quarter under the capable leadership of Twin Cities’ trumpeter Jon Pemberton. Pemberton has an eclectic career, including performing with Skatet, a 7-piece traditional ska band with heavy heavy jazz influences, and playing trumpet for the Paul Renz Quintet, Shangoya, and George Avaloz. Pemberton is also dedicated to private teaching (tuba!) through the Hopkins School District; and leads his own band, the Pembertones, in addition to his quintet. The Jon Pemberton Quintet includes some of the finest jazz musicians around town—Jim Marentic on sax, Chris Lomheim on piano, Adam Linz (Friday) and Gary Raynor (Saturday) on bass, and Kenny Horst on drums.

The music of Lee Morgan still swings at full throttle, and this weekend, the greatest sounds of bebop will rise again, channeled by the Jon Pemberton Quintet.

The Artists Quarter is located in the lower level of the Hamm Building in downtown St. Paul, St. Peter Street and 7th Place. Sets on Friday and Saturday night start at 9 pm. Visit www.mnjazz.com

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