Stanley Turrentine- In Memory Of (Blue Note Tone Poet Series)

Label: Blue Note

Reissued 10/3/2025, Originally released 1980

Recorded in 1964, Stanley Turrentine's stellar album In Memory Of went unreleased until 1980 when producer Michael Cuscuna discovered it in the Blue Note vaults and issued the session as part of the LT Series. An inspired set that traversed swinging hard bop, beautiful balladry, African rhythms, and more, the date featured the soulful tenor saxophonist fronting a tremendous sextet with Blue Mitchell on trumpet, Curtis Fuller on trombone, Herbie Hancock on piano, Bob Cranshaw on bass, and Otis "Candy" Finch on drums. Highlights include the brightly swinging opener "Fried Pies" written by Wes Montgomery, a stunning performance of the Randy Weston ballad "In Memory Of," and the irrepressible "Niger Mambo" by the Nigerian musician and composer Bobby Benson.

Track listing:

1. Fried Pies
2. In Memory of
3. Jodie's Cha Cha
4. Make Someone Happy
5. Niger Mambo
6. Sunday in New York