Take Twelve
Lee Morgan · 1962
39 min · 6 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of hard-bop rhythms and melodic improvisation that captures the essence of early 1960s jazz.
Top tracks — play these first
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Raggedy Ann Start here — This opening track sets a playful yet intricate tone for the album, featuring a lively interplay between Morgan's trumpet and the ensemble that highlights his signature style.
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Take Twelve — The title track exemplifies Morgan's capacity for lyrical expression through improvisation, showcasing his virtuosic technique while maintaining a groove that invites listener engagement.
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A Waltz for Fran — This track stands out with its waltz-like rhythm and emotive phrasing, illustrating Morgan's ability to blend complex structures with accessible melodies.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases solid compositions and skilled performances, typical of early '60s jazz but not.
What we noticed
- Each piece allows for extended solos, particularly highlighting Morgan's trumpet work alongside the contributions of the supporting musicians.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 mid-tempo listening experience
- melodic sophistication throughout tracks
- enjoys vibrant trumpet interplay
- for focused afternoon
- ideal for smooth dinner parties
Maybe skip if you
- seeks fast-paced excitement
- prefers standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Showcased Morgan's innovative compositions, elevating his recognition in jazz.
- Career context
- Released in 1962, Take Twelve is Lee Morgan's fifth studio album, showcasing his growing prominence in the jazz scene following his breakthrough with The Sidewinder in 1964. By this time, Morgan was solidifying his reputation as a leading trumpeter and composer in the hard-bop genre, transitioning from sideman roles to a more prominent solo career.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Donald Byrd· Freddie Hubbard· Art Farmer
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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A Waltz for Fran
The bridge introduces an unexpected key change that deepens the emotional resonance of the piece.
This shift enhances the overall narrative of longing present throughout the song, creating a moment of introspection amid the rhythmic flow.
Tracklist
- 1 Raggedy Ann Start here 6:46
- 2 A Waltz for Fran 4:55
- 3 Lee-Sure Time 8:27
- 4 Little Spain 7:45
- 5 Take Twelve 4:55
- 6 Second's Best 7:08
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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