Full performer name: Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers.
Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers: Art Blakey (drums); Wayne Shorter (tenor saxophone); Freddie Hubbard (trumpet); Curtis Fuller (trombone); Cedar Walton (piano); Reggie Workman (bass).
Recorded at Plaza Sound Studios, New York, New York on October 23 & 24, 1962. Originally released on Riverside (9438). Includes liner notes by Ira Gitler.
All tracks have been digitally remastered.
Full performer name: Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers.
Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers: Art Blakey (drums); Wayne Shorter (tenor saxophone); Freddie Hubbard (trumpet); Curtis Fuller (trombone); Cedar Walton (piano); Reggie Workman (bass).
Recorded at Plaza Sound Studios, New York, New York on October 23 & 24, 1962. Originally released on Riverside (9438). Includes liner notes by Ira Gitler.
Digitally remastered using 20-bit K2 Super Coding System technology.
Yet another fabulous session by Art Blakey and his Jazz Messengers from the early '60s. CARAVAN was the Messengers' debut for Riverside during a time when they primarily recorded sessions for Alfred Lion's Blue Note label. This is the sextet version of the group, with Freddie Hubbard, Curtis Fuller, and Wayne Shorter forming one of the best front lines of all time. As usual, the band is the epitome of classic hard bop, with tight ensemble work, highly advanced arrangements, and powerful solos by all.
The group's impressive arrangement of Duke Ellington's "Caravan" opens the set with signature African drum grooves and solos from the leader. Music director Shorter contributes two original selections for the set; his swinging waltz "Sweet 'N' Sour" is offered in two takes, and the moving "This is For Albert" is, interestingly enough, a dedication to pianist Bud Powell. One of the group's strengths, of course, was their treatment of standards, and both "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning" and "Skylark" receive beautiful readings here. Freddie Hubbard's classic "Thermo" gets two excellent takes to close the set in true Messengers fashion.
Professional Reviews
Q (Magazine) (p.133) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "This 1962 session is an excellent point of entry into band-leader and master drummer Blakey's world."
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