Five Voices in Perfect Conversation
Mobley and Farmer trade ideas with real ease, while Clark and the rhythm section keep everything moving.
Poppin' catches Hank Mobley in a moment when he was still finding his voice on tenor saxophone. This session pairs him with Art Farmer on trumpet and Pepper Adams on baritone sax, a front line that gives the music weight and options. Sonny Clark on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and "Philly" Joe Jones on drums provide the kind of pocket these players need — tight but swinging, never rushed.
What makes this record work is how straightforward it is. These aren't complicated arrangements or conceptual statements. Mobley is a pragmatist on tenor, warm-toned and direct, and Farmer complements that approach by staying melodic and conversational rather than flashy. Adams adds a darker texture on baritone that keeps the group from sounding thin. The interplay feels easy because everyone's listening to each other instead of trying to impress anyone. Clark's comping is sharp and responsive, and Chambers and Jones lock in tight without pushing the tempo or being showy.
This is good professional jazz from a session date — the kind of record that was made regularly in the late 1950s and mostly forgotten, even though the playing is solid. It's worth hearing if you're interested in Mobley's earlier work, when he was still building his sound before his real peak came later in his career. It won't change your life, but it's honest playing by musicians who knew what they were doing.
Who's playing
Paul Chambersbass
Sonny Clarkpiano
Pepper Adamsbaritone saxophone
Hank Mobleytenor saxophone
Art Farmertrumpet
Philly Joe Jonesdrums
Where next?
More by Hank Mobley
All 41 albums →
The musicians on this record
Kenny Drew Trio 1957
Philly Joe Jones
plays drums (drum set) here
plays drums (drum set) here
Farmer's Market 1958
Art Farmer
plays trumpet here
plays trumpet here
