Yusef Lateef – Jazz Mood

Yusef Lateef’s Jazz Mood, recorded in 1957 and released on the Savoy label, emerges as a compelling debut that introduces listeners to his adventurous musical persona. In this early session, Lateef distinguishes himself not only through his tenor saxophone and flute, but also via more unusual timbres such as the argol and scraper, creating a palette that transcends conventional hard bop. The album includes “Morning,” a composition that has since become a standard, and exemplifies his ability to fuse lyrical sensibility with rhythmic vitality and inventive instrumental colour.

This record lays the groundwork for Lateef’s lifelong exploration of sonic boundaries. Its serene yet dynamic arrangements, blending blues-rooted jazz with subtle Eastern textures, offer a listening experience that feels both grounded and exploratory. Jazz Mood invites a broad audience—from seasoned jazz enthusiasts to new listeners—to appreciate the early emergence of Lateef’s uniquely boundary-crossing artistry.