Hank Mobley | |
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![]() Mobley, c. 1956 | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Henry Mobley |
Born | Eastman, Georgia, U.S. | July 7, 1930
Died | May 30, 1986 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | (aged 55)
Genres | Jazz, hard bop, soul jazz |
Occupation(s) | Musician, composer |
Instrument | Tenor saxophone |
Years active | 1949–1986 |
Labels | Blue Note, Prestige, Savoy |
Henry Mobley (July 7, 1930 – May 30, 1986) was an American tenor saxophonist and composer.[1] Mobley was described by Leonard Feather as the "middleweight champion of the tenor saxophone",[2] a metaphor used to describe his tone, that was neither as aggressive as John Coltrane nor as mellow as Lester Young, and his style that was laid-back, subtle and melodic, especially in contrast with players such as Coltrane and Sonny Rollins. The critic Stacia Proefrock claimed him "one of the most underrated musicians of the bop era."[3] Mobley's compositions include "Double Exposure", "Soul Station", and "Dig Dis".[4]