Art Blakey The Freedom Writer

"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.

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.

The legendary Art Blakey and his Jazz Messengers, live at the 1963 Sanremo Festival in Italy and recorded for posterity by RAI on March 23, 1963.

The legendary Art Blakey and his Jazz Messengers, live at the 1963 Sanremo Festival in Italy and recorded for posterity by RAI on March 23, 1963.

This Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition is all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.

The legendary Art Blakey and his Jazz Messengers, live at the 1963 Sanremo Festival in Italy and recorded for posterity by RAI on March 23, 1963.

Drummer Art Blakey recorded Indestructible—his final album for Blue Note—in 1964 with a powerful sextet line-up of The Jazz Messengers featuring Wayne Shorter (tenor saxophone), Lee Morgan (trumpet), Curtis Fuller (trombone), Cedar Walton (piano), and Reggie Workman (bass). The LP presented 5 compelling original compositions by Fuller (“The Egyptian” & “Sortie”), Morgan (“Calling Miss Khadija”), Walton (“When Love Is New”), and Shorter (“Mr. Jin”), and was adorned with one of Reid Miles’ most memorable album cover designs. This Classic Vinyl Edition is all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.

Originally released in 1963, “Caravan” was Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers' first album for Riverside Records. Featured in addition to Blakey are Freddie Hubbard (trumpet), Curtis Fuller (trombone), Wayne Shorter (sax), Cedar Walton (piano) and Reggie Workman (bass). This reissue features remastered audio from the original master tapes and is available on 192/24 hi res digital.