Hank Mobley
Reach Out(180Gm)

‘Reach Out’ has some fine moments, though it is fair to say, it is not out of Mobley’s top draw.   This sextet date was recorded on 19th January 1968 and released later that year.  It comes from towards the end of the saxophonist’s recording career, and as the title suggests, it sees him trying out new musical territory, experimenting as it does with late sixties Soul material. The self-penned tracks are the strongest.  ‘Up Over And Out’ swings with Woody Shaw and Hank Mobley providing muscular horn lines.  Shaw’s trumpet soars, whilst Mobley and George Benson solos are underpinned by drummer Billy Higgins.  ‘Looking East’ is a cooler affair, but glides effortlessly.  Mobley’s tenor is melodic and soulful if a little strained.  The tempo rises for the slick ‘Good Pickin’s’.   Pianist on the session ‘Lamont Johnson’ composed the album’s closing track ‘Beverly’, which a fine sixties Miles influenced number that sounds not unlike Herbie Hancock’s ‘Maiden Voyage’. The two Soul covers: the Four Tops ‘Reach Out I’ll Be There’ and the cocktail Jazz take of Little Anthony And The Imperials ‘Goin Out Of My Head’ are probably the least impressive tunes as the band seem less at home on the more Soul orientated material.  A steady rather than a great album, although it is pleasing to hear Benson in a straight Jazz setting.