Hank Mobley – Workout

Workout by Hank Mobley presents a lean, finely balanced quintet led by a tenor sax legend whose artistry blooms through impeccable ensemble interplay and clever compositions. Recorded at Van Gelder Studio in March 1961 and featuring an all‑star lineup including Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers, Grant Green, and Philly Joe Jones, the album radiates a sophisticated yet soulful hard‑bop energy. Mobley’s tenor tone is warm and inviting, carving lyrical lines over driving rhythms, while the group navigates originals like “Workout,” “Uh Huh,” “Smokin’,” and “Greasin’ Easy” with flair and cohesion. Recognized by AllMusic’s Scott Yanow as one of the 17 Essential Hard Bop Recordings, this date exemplifies Mobley’s compositional wit and expressive solo voice.

At its core, Workout captures Mobley at a creative peak—the compositions are tight and engaging, the solos spirited yet focused. Tracks like “Workout” and “Smokin’” are high-voltage performances that showcase Mobley’s rhythmic drive, Philly Joe’s incendiary drumming, Grant Green’s fluid lines, and Wynton Kelly’s crisp accompaniment. The album blends swinging blues grooves and soulful intensity, forming a compelling musical narrative that remains vibrant and accessible decades after its release. The result is a hard-bop classic that underscores Mobley’s standing as a major voice of his era.