Art Blakey

A rare outing for drummer Art Blakey performing with a big band. The 15-piece orchestra here gave Blakey the chance, or maybe the excuse, to pound his drums even louder and more aggressively than in his usual small-combo setting. Blakey preferred the freedom of small bands, but several of the musicians who worked with him on this album thought he was at his best drumming in a big band context. And some of the names in Blakey's band on this album? John Coltrane, Donald Byrd and Al Cohn, among many others.

Highly regarded amongst critics, Art Blakey revolutionized the jazz scene, paving the way for those he mentored. Captured at a pivotal moment in the ensemble’s history, Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers is a full display of the group’s undeniable chemistry. Blakey is joined by jazz legends, Wayne Shorter (tenor saxophone), Lee Morgan (trumpet), Curtis Fuller (trombone), Bobby Timmons (piano) and Jymie Merritt (bass). With Blakey’s prominent drumming, the group performs classics including the hard swinging number “Alamode”, the standard “Invitation” and the lively “Circus”. This is essential listening for any music fan.

"Roots & Herbs" is a jazz album by Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers, recorded in 1961 but not released on the Blue Note label until 1970. Like many titles in the Blue Note catalog, this fine Blakey outing was initially shelved by Alfred Lion for unknown reasons, but now that it's out once again with a 24-bit digital makeover, "Roots & Herbs" is definitely a welcome addition to the drum master's catalog.

One of the 60’s greatest live jazz recordings, "Ugetsu" documents a blistering 1963 live set by the legendary Jazz Messengers at Birdland. Blakey is joined by an allstar team of jazz legends: Wayne Shorter, Cedar Walton, Curtis Fuller, Freddie Hubbard, and Reggie Workman.

"A Night at Birdland Vol. 1" is a 1954 release by jazz artist Art Blakey, and a quintet which featured Clifford Brown, Lou Donaldson, Horace Silver and Curly Russell. It was first released by Blue Note Records as a 10" LP (BLP 5037). This is definitive hard bop from Art Blakey's quintet.

The Jazz Messengers was a group of young musicians organized by Art Blakey to both inspire and mentor young jazz players, as well as to keep Blakey inspired and full of new ideas. The group went on to serve as a training ground for such luminaries as Hank Mobley and Wynton Marsalis. Hard Drive was recorded in 1957 and was originally released on the Bethlehem label.

"Free for All" is the 1964 masterpiece by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers. The album features a stellar lineup, which includes Freddie Hubbard, Wayne Shorter, Curtis Fuller, Cedar Walton and Reggie Workman. The musicians display their undeniable chemistry and unmatched artistic powers. This seminal classical features the stellar tunes “The Core”, “Free for All” and “Pensativa”. "Free for All" is a historic outing that is essential for any collection.