In May 1968 when he recorded his album Caramba, trumpeter Lee Morgan was still a couple months away from his 30th birthday, which makes the fact that this was his 23rd Blue Note recording all the more astounding. Morgan was a full-fledged master, his technical prowess on the horn matched by the emotional depth of his playing, and a composer who could conjure different moods and styles with his writing.

From the irrepressible groove of the title track to the intricate post-bop lines of “Suicide City” and “Cunning Lee” to the joyful “Soulita” and the easy swing of “Helen’s Ritual” this set of Morgan originals features Bennie Maupin on tenor saxophone, Cedar Walton on piano, Reggie Workman on bass, and Billy Higgins on drums.

1. Caramba (SIDE A)

2. Suicide City (SIDE A)

3. Cunning Lee (SIDE B)

4. Soulita (SIDE B)

5. Helen's Ritual (SIDE B)

Lee Morgan (trumpet); Bennie Maupin (tenor sax); Cedar Walton (piano); Reggie Workman (bass); Billy Higgins (drums)