The Procrastinator cover

The Procrastinator

Lee Morgan · 1967

40 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of hard bop and exploratory improvisation, filled with rhythmic complexity and soulful melodies.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Procrastinator Start here — The title track stands out for its intricate melody and engaging rhythm, highlighting Morgan's ability to blend sophistication with accessibility.
  • →
    Party Time — With its upbeat tempo and lively arrangement, this track encapsulates the celebratory spirit of the album while showcasing Morgan's vibrant trumpet work.
  • →
    Dear Sir — This composition features an emotional depth and complex harmonies that demonstrate Morgan's growth as a composer and his skillful interplay with the band.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album features strong compositions and skilled performances, though it doesn't fully stand out in the broader jazz landscape.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features a strong, syncopated rhythm and a prominent trumpet melody, setting a lively tone.
  • Each track showcases intricate interplay between the instruments, with frequent call-and-response patterns among the horns and rhythm section.
  • The final track, 'Soft Touch', slows down significantly, creating a contrast to the preceding energetic pieces and allowing for reflective improvisation.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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
  • contemplative background ambience

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A solid entry in Morgan's catalog, showcasing his evolving sound without being a standout.
Career context
Released in 1967, The Procrastinator was Lee Morgan's second album after his notable breakthrough with the hit 'The Sidewinder' in 1964. At this stage, Morgan was further establishing his voice in the jazz world, showcasing his talent as both a trumpeter and composer while continuing to experiment with modern jazz elements.
Stylistic neighbors
Donald Byrd· Freddie Hubbard· Art Farmer

Tracklist

  • 1 The Procrastinator Start here 8:05
  • 2 Party Time 6:00
  • 3 Dear Sir 6:53
  • 4 Stopstart 6:09
  • 5 Rio 6:10
  • 6 Soft Touch 7:00

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata