Hank Mobley’s ‘Poppin’ was recorded on 20 October 1957 and first released in Japan in 1980. ‘Poppin’ was the seventh album recorded by Hank Mobley in 1957 alone! The rhythm section includes Philly Joe Jones on drums and Paul Chambers on bass – stalwarts of Miles Davis’ first great quintet. Star of the rhythm section is however pianist Sonny Clark; whose subtle playing is a prominent feature on the session. In the horn section tenor supremo Mobley is joined by the earthiness of baritone saxman Pepper Adams and the easy on the ear playing of trumpeter Art Farmer. The title tune skips, flows and builds up a real head of steam. Mobley’s solo is a delight as he dances over the vibrant cooking rhythm. The cover of the ballad ‘Darn That Dream’ is beautiful with both Mobley and Clark capturing the song’s essence perfectly. ‘Getting Into Something’ is gloriously joyful that kicks. There is a sparkling version of Miles Davis’ ‘Tune Up’ on which Farmer’s warm solo is a highlight. Mobley’s third composition ‘East Of Brooklyn’ is a brash driving piece of Hard Bop – an archetypal Blue Note groove. Mobley’s playing is sublime as he glides, soars and runs with fluidity that few saxophonists have. It remains a mystery why so many of these great Blue Note sessions remained in the can for so long, 23 years in the case of ‘Poppin’. Still we can now enjoy it in all its power and glory.
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