It's No Mystery

Detective Harry Bosch, the protagonist in many of mystery writer Michael Connelly’s novels, has the best musical taste of any fictional character I know. And alto saxophonist Frank Morgan is one of Bosch’s favorite musicians.

I’m willing to bet that Bosch will be spinning songs from Morgan’s new album – “Raising the Standard: Live at the Jazz Standard, Vol. 2” – in a future novel.

Morgan, who has one of the sweetest tones in jazz, is a lot like Bosch. Both grappled with personal demons – Bosch with alcohol, Morgan with drugs. Both improved with age.

Morgan, after a 30-year absence from music, has consistently released excellent albums since his return to jazz in 1985. And this performance on his new album, released on Highnote Records, is one of Morgan’s finest efforts.

He’s joined on stage by pianist George Cables, bassist Curtis Lundy and drummer Billy Hart. They provide excellent support.

Detective Bosch should be inspired when he hears this album. The bad guys had better look out.