Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers
★★★★ First Flight To Tokyo: The Lost 1961 Recordings
BLUE NOTE. CD/DL/LP
Legendary jazz drummer’s band shines in the Land of the Rising Sun. THERE WERE myriad incarnations of The Jazz Messengers during the group’s 36-year lifetime, but none perhaps as potent as the line-up at this concert, recorded during the group’s maiden voyage to Japan, where Art Blakey is accompanied by trumpeter Lee Morgan, saxophonist Wayne Shorter, pianist Bobby Timmons and bassist Jymie Merritt. Driven by Blakey’s indomitable swing, the band serves up high octane versions of some of their best-known numbers, including the gospel infused Moanin’, Blues March, and a febrile take on Dizzy Gillespie’s exotic A Night In Tunisia. Although the thunderous drum solo that precedes the Messengers’ version of Charlie Parker’s Now’s The Time shows that Blakey wasn’t noted for his subtlety, his gentle accompaniment on Thelonious Monk’s ballad Round Midnight, spotlighting Lee Morgan, reveals an exquisite and delicate sensitivity. An outstanding set.