"Since I Fell for You" is a classic blues ballad written by Buddy Johnson in 1945. Trumpeter Lee Morgan recorded a celebrated instrumental version for his 1958 Blue Note album Candy. This recording stands out for its lyrical warmth and Morgan’s mature, emotive trumpet playing—remarkable, given he was just 20 years old at the time.
Recording and Personnel
- Album: Candy (Blue Note, released late 1958)
- Recording Date: November 18, 1957
- Studio: Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, NJ
- Personnel:
- Lee Morgan – trumpet
- Sonny Clark – piano
- Doug Watkins – bass
- Art Taylor – drums
Musical Style and Interpretation
Morgan’s rendition of "Since I Fell for You" is a showcase for his expressive, singing trumpet tone. The arrangement is intimate, with Morgan’s horn carrying the melody in a manner that echoes the song’s vocal origins, supported by Sonny Clark’s sensitive piano comping and a subtle rhythm section. The performance is marked by its soulful phrasing, lyrical improvisation, and a sense of longing that captures the spirit of the original ballad.
Critical Reception
Reviewers have praised Morgan’s performance for its "sweet" tone, "fluid" playing, and "crisply articulated emotion"—qualities that reveal both technical mastery and deep feeling12. The track is often singled out as a highlight of Candy, an album regarded as unique in Morgan’s discography for its quartet setting and focus on lyrical, melodic playing without additional horns.
Legacy
Morgan’s "Since I Fell for You" is considered a definitive jazz instrumental version of the standard, beloved by jazz fans for its emotional depth and technical brilliance. It remains a touchstone for trumpeters and a classic example of Morgan’s artistry in the late 1950s.
Key Facts Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Composer | Buddy Johnson |
| Album | Candy (1958, Blue Note) |
| Recording Date | November 18, 1957 |
| Personnel | Lee Morgan (trumpet), Sonny Clark (piano), Doug Watkins (bass), Art Taylor (drums) |
| Style | Jazz ballad, blues-inflected, lyrical trumpet |
| Legacy | Quintessential Morgan ballad, jazz standard interpretation |
Summary
Lee Morgan’s "Since I Fell for You" from Candy is a poignant, lyrical jazz interpretation of a beloved blues ballad. With expressive trumpet, sensitive accompaniment, and heartfelt delivery, Morgan’s version stands as a classic of jazz balladry and a highlight of his early career132.
