Lee Morgan

Blue Note Records is proud to spotlight one of jazz trumpet legend Lee Morgan’s most exhilarating works, "The Procrastinator." Originally recorded in 1967 but first released posthumously in 1978, "The Procrastinator" captures Morgan at the height of his creative powers, leading an all-star sextet that reads like a who’s who of modern jazz: Wayne Shorter (tenor saxophone), Bobby Hutcherson (vibraphone), Herbie Hancock (piano), Ron Carter (bass), and Billy Higgins (drums).

Crafted during Morgan’s remarkably prolific years following his crossover hit “The Sidewinder,” this album gathers together six brilliant performances that balance hard bop tradition with creative forward-thinking. Standout compositions like the mesmerizing title track and the energetic “Stop Start” showcase Morgan’s bold, expressive trumpet style, while Wayne Shorter contributes the haunting “Dear Sir” and the atmospheric “Rio”—both pieces foreshadowing his rise as one of jazz’s most revered composers.

"The Procrastinator" not only reunites Morgan and Shorter after their transformative spell in Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers but also envelopes the listener with the inventive interplay and sophisticated musicianship of Hancock, Carter, Hutcherson, and Higgins—each a legend in their own right. The blend of soulful grooves, bluesy undertones, and exploratory improvisations underscores why this session, though long unreleased, is now regarded as an essential Morgan masterpiece.

Praised by critics for its vitality and depth, "The Procrastinator" has become a favorite among jazz collectors and aficionados. Scott Yanow of AllMusic described it as “well-rounded,” spotlighting its “funky ‘Party Time’” and exploring pieces that push the boundaries of hard bop. Remastered and reissued as part of the Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series, this album offers a definitive listening experience—mastered from the original analog tapes for audiophile warmth and clarity.