Art BLAKEY - At the Jazz Corner of the World Vol.1&2 1959

Art BLAKEY - At the Jazz Corner of the World Vol.1&2 1959
Recorded Live at the Birdland, NYC, April 15, 1959

Jazz

This extremely short-lived lineup of Messengers recorded only once together--in April 1959 at New York's Birdland. This engaging and accessible two-CD collection documents this incarnation, which finds tenor Hank Mobley (one of the earliest Messengers) returning to the fold as a stopgap between recently departed Benny Golson and soon-to-join Wayne Shorter. The remainder of the quintet--Lee Morgan, pianist Bobby Timmons, and bassist Jymie Merritt--are all holdovers from the classic Moanin' lineup, which remains Blakey's funkiest. Mobley adds three compositions to a repertoire that includes Thelonious Monk's tricky "Justice," Ray Bryant's irresistibly groovy "Chicken an' Dumplins," and Randy Weston's easy-swaying "Hi-Fly." Morgan and Mobley are in typically fine form throughout this in-the-pocket set.
By Marc Greilsamer.
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WARNING!
THIS CD HAS ENOUGH RAW ENERGY TO INCREASE THE EARTHS ORBIT AND LIGHTEN THE FORCE OF GRAVITY IN A 30 FT. RADIUS OF YOUR STEREO.! well that might be a bit of hyperbole, but there are enough sparks generated here to power a small nuclear reactor. from beginning to end this album soars with intense solos from all, especially Morgan, who is barely 21 years old, but probably playing at the peak of the first stage of his career. Enough can't be said about the intensity of this album, which was recorded remarkably well for a live performance of that time (4/15/59). Highlights include a nine minute rendition of "The Theme" played at a more relaxed tempo. A lesser known Monk title, "Justice", which contains one of my favorite Lee Morgan solos of all time. An early version of Bobby Timmons' "Hi-Fly" and "Just Coolin'" a jazz waltz written by Mobley, one of his best early compositions in my lay-oppinion. If you're new to jazz, or the music of Art Blakey, this is great place to start your interest. Very accessable, hard-swinging music by the greatest hard-bop jazz group in history. Loud, fiery music!
By Brandon De Cordova.
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Lee Morgan- Trumpet
Hank Mobley- Tenor Sax
Bobby Timmons- Piano
Jymie Mettitt- Bass
Art Blakey- Drums
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Cd1
01.Hipsippy Blues  9:26
02.Monk  7:37
03.The Theme  2:18
04.Close Your Eyes  10:58
05.Just Coolin'  8:11
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Cd2
01. Chicken an' Dumplins  7.26
02. M & M  6.41
03. Hi Fly  8.00
04. Theme  9.13
05. Art's Revelation  8.13
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