1972 · Album
Breakthrough!
Recorded February 22, 1972 · Cobblestone · Produced by Not specified in provided sources
Mobley's Final Session, Walton's Stage
Mobley showed how much he had grown, and Davis proved he was far more than a section player.
Breakthrough! arrives as Hank Mobley's last studio recording, which gives it weight whether you're listening for it or not. By 1972, Mobley's career had already begun to fade from the spotlight—the saxophonist who cut some of the best hard bop on record in the late 1950s and early 1960s had become increasingly scarce. Health issues would soon force him away entirely. So this session, recorded in February 1972, feels like a last chance to hear him play at a level that justified his reputation.
What's remarkable is that Mobley sounds rejuvenated here, not like a musician running on fumes. AllMusic reviewer Scott Yanow caught it immediately: Mobley is in brilliant form, having grown considerably since his earlier days. Cedar Walton leads the group competently enough on piano, but the real story is the two saxophonists. Mobley and baritone saxophonist Charles Davis trade off with genuine spark, especially on the extended title track. Davis, who spent most of his career relegated to background work, gets a real showcase here—he switches to soprano saxophone on "Early Morning Stroll" and proves himself Mobley's equal throughout. The rhythm section of Sam Jones on bass and Billy Higgins on drums is solid and unobtrusive, exactly what's needed.
The album works best if you come to it knowing this is Mobley's farewell rather than expecting it to tower over his best Blue Note recordings. It's a strong session that captures two underrated saxophonists in the same room, playing with purpose. Walton even manages to turn "Theme From Love Story" into something worth hearing. For anyone serious about Mobley or curious about Davis beyond his sideman work, this is essential.
Who's playing
Sam Jonesdouble bass
Cedar Waltonpiano
Charles Davissaxophone
Hank Mobleytenor saxophone
Billy Higginsdrums
Where next?
More by Cedar Walton
All 42 albums →
The musicians on this record
The Flip 1969
Hank Mobley
plays tenor saxophone here
plays tenor saxophone here
♫
The Oracle 1989
Billy Higgins
plays drums (drum set) here
plays drums (drum set) here
