Is Charisma a good place to start with Lee Morgan?

Yes, Charisma is recommended as a starting point for new Lee Morgan listeners. A vibrant blend of hard bop and soulful melodies, infused with playful rhythms and intricate horn arrangements. Released in 1969, Charisma was Lee Morgan's first album after his critically acclaimed work on The Sidewinder. At this point in his career, Morgan was solidifying his reputation as a leading trumpeter in the jazz scene, showcasing his unique blend of technical proficiency and emotive playing.

Charisma works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, long, immersive listening sessions and dynamic emotional journeys.

How many songs are on Charisma?

Charisma has 6 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Charisma

Lee Morgan · 1969

39 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of hard bop and soulful melodies, infused with playful rhythms and intricate horn arrangements.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Hey Chico Start here — The opening track features an infectious groove that sets the tone for the entire album, displaying Morgan's signature trumpet style and the ensemble's tight interplay.
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Sweet Honey Bee — This track stands out with its lush harmonies and a captivating melody, allowing Morgan's expressive playing to shine while creating a deeply atmospheric mood.
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The Double Up — With its complex rhythms and sophisticated arrangement, this track showcases the band's versatility and highlights Morgan's innovative approach to composition.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Morgan's vibrant compositions and skilled arrangements create an engaging jazz experience, though it doesn't redefine the genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a bright, upbeat track that sets a lively tone, followed by a gradual shift to more intricate arrangements in the subsequent pieces.
The final two tracks introduce slower tempos and more contemplative melodies, providing a contrast to the earlier energetic pieces.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady, consistent energy levels
long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established Morgan's reputation post-The Sidewinder with innovative compositions.
Career context: Released in 1969, Charisma was Lee Morgan's first album after his critically acclaimed work on The Sidewinder. At this point in his career, Morgan was solidifying his reputation as a leading trumpeter in the jazz scene, showcasing his unique blend of technical proficiency and emotive playing.
Stylistic neighbors: Donald Byrd· Freddie Hubbard· Art Farmer