Jazz
Digitally remastered using 20-bit technology by Erick Labson (MCA Studios).
Taking a step outside his Jazz Messengers ensemble, Art Blakey recorded a leisurely session for Impulse! In 1963 with friend Sonny Stitt and the then youngsters ... Full DescriptionMcCoy Tyner and Art Davis. A JAZZ MESSAGE, however, is not an insignificant session, but rather a grand documentation of the natural talent of these remarkable artists. Indeed, the session has the feel of a Sunday afternoon jam where four friends have come together to enjoy each other's company and talents. The group's loose approach, with little regard for any details save the music, gives the tunes a freshness that is sometimes lacking when arrangements are overly complicated.
From the opening romp of "CafT," the energy flows freely as Blakey drives the quartet with his powerful drumming. Gershwin's perennial "Summertime" is given an easy-going swing and provides a pleasant take on the often-overworked standard. Likewise, Tyner's "Blues Rack" is a simple traditional blues that serves as a springboard for some fine blowing by all. Finally, the always uplifting "The Song Is You" is a gentle swinger that closes the session with a smile that, in the end, is the best message of all.
Taking a step outside his Jazz Messengers ensemble, Art Blakey recorded a leisurely session for Impulse! In 1963 with friend Sonny Stitt and McCoy Tyner and Art Davis. A Jazz Message is a grand documentation of the natural talent of these remarkable artists. Indeed, the session has the feel of a Sunday afternoon jam where four friends have come together to enjoy each other's company and talents. The group's loose approach, with little regard for any details save the music, gives the tunes a freshness that is sometimes lacking when arrangements are overly complicated. Six tracks including 'Cafe', 'Summertime' and 'The Song Is You'.
Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey on July 16, 1963. Includes original release liner notes by Dan Morgenstern.
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"Have horn will travel." I can think of few musicians who sustained as many physical and mental shocks throughout the course of a nomadic, non-stop and frequently solitary career as Sonny Stitt. Occasionally he might do several months with Jazz at the Philharmonic or, following Coltrane's departure, with Miles Davis' group. But more often than not, Sonny would arrive in town, call up the best local rhythm section and try to keep his spirits up for a five-night stand, finding time during the day to cut a couple of quick sides at the nearest recording studio before flying to Japan for a whirlwind tour. The life and substances required to fuel it took their toll, and by 1963 Sonny was having at least as many bad days as good days.
This was not one of Sonny's good days. Even the session photo of him (inside cover) suggests some of the exaggerated animation that libations can provide. Blakey and company pretty much go with the flow, counting on a relaxed if uneventful exchange. Sonny obliges, turning in an agreeable set that's likely to disappoint fans of Blakey as much as Stitt. The song choices are uninspired (with the exception of "The Song Is You"), Sonny's intonation is occasionally shaky on both horns, his solos are largely delivered courtesy of autopilot.
This is not the same Sonny Stitt you'll hear on "Sonny Stitt Meets the Oscar Peterson Trio" (unfortunately, out of print) or "New York Jazz" (currently back in the catalog) or on the newly issued "Work Done." It's too bad that Sonny wasn't better rested or that Dizzy wasn't brought in as a 2nd horn for this session. I followed Sonny through many of his ups and downs. He was always good, but at his best (even late in his career--listen to "Endgame Brilliance"), he was nothing less than perfect.
By Samuel Chell.
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Art Blakey- Drums
Sony Stitt- Alto sax & Tenor sax
McCoy Tyner- Piano
Art Davis- Bass
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01. Cafe (Art Blakey-Sonny Stitt) 5:32
02. Just Knock on My Door (Art Blakey-Sonny Stitt) 6:55
03. Summertime (DuBose Heyward-George Gershwin) 4:38
04. Blues Back (McCoy Tyner) 5:19
05. Sunday (C. Conn-N. Miller-J. Styne-B. Krueger) 7:20
06. The Song Is You (Oscar Hammerstein II-Jerome Kern) 5:06
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