Raising the Standard (subtitled Live at the Jazz Standard Vol. 2) is a live album by saxophonist Frank Morgan which was recorded at the Jazz Standard in 2003 and released on the HighNote label in 2005.Frank Morgan discography accessed February 22, 2019Jazz Depot: HighNote discography - album details accessed February 22, 2019Frank Morgan Leader Entry accessed February 22, 2019
Reception
Writing for All About Jazz, Joel Roberts observed "It charts little new ground but serves up some of the best, most authentic modern bebop you're likely to hear anywhere" stating "Raising the Standard is another fine effort by one of jazz's most inspiring artists".Roberts, J., All About Jazz Review, accessed February 22, 2019 On the same site Jack Bowers said "Raising the Standard is another impressive tour de force for Morgan and his mates, one that is easily recommended".Bowers, J., All About Jazz Review, accessed February 22, 2019
In JazzTimes, David Franklin noted "Almost 70 at the time and having suffered a stroke five years earlier, Morgan still plays with youthful exuberance".Franklin, D., JazzTimes Review, accessed February 22, 2019 In The Japan Times, Michael Pronko wrote "This straight-on jazz has all the pretences stripped away, and however they were stripped away, the result is inspiring".Pronko, M., The Japan Times Review, accessed February 22, 2019
Track listing "Polka Dots and Moonbeams" (Jimmy Van Heusen, Johnny Burke) – 5:03 "Footprints" (Wayne Shorter) – 8:39 "Nefertiti" (Shorter) – 2:50 "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" (Duke Ellington, Bob Russell) – 9:37 "Old Folks" (Willard Robison, Dedette Lee Hill) – 5:26 "Tune Up" (Miles Davis) – 8:45 "In a Sentimental Mood" (Ellington) – 4:58 "Helen's Song" (George Cables) – 7:26 "Bessie's Blues" (John Coltrane) – 7:10
Personnel Performance Frank Morgan – alto saxophone George Cables – piano Curtis Lundy – bass Billy Hart – drums
Production Reggie Marshall – producer Randall Funke – engineer
References