Artist profile · 04/07/2026
Hank Mobley
- 14
- Albums on Vinyles.com
- 447k
- Last.fm listeners
- 4M
- Last.fm plays
About
Hank Mobley, Hard bop tenor saxophone artistry from 1950s New York jazz scene.
Hank Mobley contributed significantly to jazz, especially hard bop, recording primarily with Blue Note Records during the 1950s and 60s. His discography features over 18 vinyl albums, including studio and compilation records in bebop and jazz/blues styles. Mobley's sound balances melodic expressiveness and rhythmic precision, often described as a middle ground between the aggression of John Coltrane and the softness of Stan Getz.
His works remain popular among collectors, with various pressings from original US mono releases to international reissues. Notable albums like "No Room For Squares" command premium prices, especially in original pressing formats.
Discography
Hank Mobley discography
Studio albums, live records, compilations and radio recordings. Each album groups all its editions.
The Jazz Message of Hank Mobley
Hank Mobley
- Vinyl 2
- CD 3
- Cassette
With Donald Byrd and Lee Morgan
Hank Mobley
- Vinyl 3
- CD 2
- Cassette
Hank Mobley and His All Stars
Hank Mobley
- Vinyl 2
- CD 2
- Cassette
The Turnaround!
Hank Mobley
- Vinyl 4
- CD 3
- Cassette 1
Hi Voltage
Hank Mobley
- Vinyl 2
- CD 4
- Cassette 1
The Flip
Hank Mobley
- Vinyl 1
- CD 3
- Cassette
Poppin'
Hank Mobley
- Vinyl 3
- CD 3
- Cassette
Thinking of Home
Hank Mobley
- Vinyl 1
- CD 1
- Cassette
Far Away Lands
Hank Mobley
- Vinyl 1
- CD 2
- Cassette 1
Straight No Filter
Hank Mobley
- Vinyl 2
- CD 3
- Cassette 1
Complete The Jazz Message Sessions with Kenny Clarke
Hank Mobley
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Monday Nights At Birdland: Complete Recordings
Hank Mobley
- Vinyl 1
- CD 1
- Cassette
Newark 1953
Hank Mobley
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
To One So Sweet - Hank Mobley in Holland
Hank Mobley
- Vinyl
- CD 1
- Cassette
Les Géants Du Jazz: Echoes Of The Dream
Hank Mobley
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Data provided by Discogs
Listen
Signature songs
- 01Dig Dis - Remastered 1999/Rudy Van Gelder Edition
- 02This I Dig of You
- 03Remember - 1999/ Remastered
- 04Recado Bossa Nova
- 05Fin De L'Affaire - Rudy Van Gelder Edition, 2008 Digital Remaster
- 06This I Dig Of You - Remastered 1999/Rudy Van Gelder Edition
- 07Remember
- 08Dig This (1960)
Essentials
3 Hank Mobley albums you need to own
Our picks, approved by the editors.
#1 · 1964A quintessential hard bop album featuring six tracks with a total runtime of approximately 41 minutes, blending sophisticated compositions and Mobley's tenor saxophone.
6 tracksOriginal US mono pressing (BLP 4149)Blue Note labelPopular among collectors
#2 · 1962This Blue Note release features extended tracks showcasing Mobley's intense improvisational skills over five compositions.
5 tracksOriginal Blue Note mono pressingLengths up to 10 minutesHard bop style
#3 · 1979A late-career Blue Note album with five tracks balancing complex harmonies and lyrical saxophone performances.
5 tracksBlue Note labelMultiple pressings including UK and USLate 70s recording
Go further
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B-side
B-side: the hidden stories of Hank Mobley
Studio secrets, tour stories and B-sides worth the whole album.
Original pressing of "Third Season" on Blue Note
The 1980 US original LP pressing of "Third Season" came with the catalog number LT-1081. It remains sought after, with prices as low as €20.87 and over five copies available for sale.
Five-track composition on "A Slice Of The Top"
"A Slice Of The Top" consists of five tracks including "Hank's Other Bag" and the title track, lasting between 5 and 9 minutes each, showcasing Mobley's mature hard bop style.
Leonard Feather dubbed Mobley "the middleweight champion of the tenor saxophone" for his distinctive tone between Sonny Rollins and Lester Young.— Jazz critic Leonard Feather
Multiple pressings of "No Room For Squares" with premium pricing
The 1964 Blue Note album "No Room For Squares" has several mono pressings. Original US pressings (BLP 4149) command premium prices up to €174, reflecting its collector demand.
Mobley joined Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers
In the early 1950s, Mobley performed with Art Blakey's band, a key group in hard bop development, enhancing jazz tenor saxophone prominence.
Mobley's expressive and inventive playing style assures his legacy among tenor saxophonists in jazz history.— Jazz historian
Hank Mobley vinyl discography
See allPre-order New
Hank Mobley CDs
See allA Caddy For Daddy Édition Limitée Exclusivité Fnac
Hank Mobley
BebopJazz/Blues
2025-05-01From$35.68
1 offerNo Room For Squares Édition Limitée Exclusivité Fnac
Hank Mobley
BebopJazz/Blues
2025-05-01From$28.23
1 offer
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FAQ
FAQ
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
Who was Hank Mobley and what was his main jazz style?
Hank Mobley was a US tenor saxophonist primarily known for his work in hard bop during the 1950s and 60s.
What are some essential Hank Mobley vinyl albums to look for?
Key albums include "No Room For Squares" (1964), "Workout" (1962), and "A Slice Of The Top" (1979), all available on vinyl.
What pressing variants exist for "No Room For Squares" on vinyl?
Multiple mono pressings exist, including the original US pressing (BLP 4149) valued highly by collectors.
How does Hank Mobley's saxophone sound compare to his contemporaries?
His tone is often described as a balanced middle ground between Sonny Rollins' aggressiveness and Lester Young's softness.
Are there original pressings of Hank Mobley's albums available for collectors?
Yes, original US mono pressings of albums like "Workout" and "No Room For Squares" are available and sought after.
What is the price range for Hank Mobley vinyl records?
Prices range widely, with popular titles like "No Room For Squares" often fetching over €170 in original mono patina.
Where can I find Hank Mobley records in France?
Collectors can find blue note labels and reissues through specialist jazz vinyl shops and online platforms.
What should I listen for in Hank Mobley's playing on vinyl?
Focus on his melodic inventiveness, rhythmic subtlety, and emotive tenor sax tone that define his hard bop style.
Transparency
Sources & method
This profile is compiled by the vinyles.com editors from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discography data from MusicBrainz (dates, country, active years).
- Tracklists, covers and genres from Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists from Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editors.