1956 was an important year in the musical life of Art Blakey, for during that year he introduced a new edition of his Jazz Messengers. Blakey (1919-1990), whose drumming powered the Messsengers. Hard bop's foremost band, for more than three decades, introduced a new edition of the band on Drum Suite. The front line consisted of trumpeter Bill Hardman and Jackie McLean, he of the searing sound on alto saxophone, with Philadelphians Sam Dockery and 19-year old James 'Spanky" DeBrest, piano and bass, respectively, joining the leader in the rhythm section. These fresh, young Messengers continued what would become the group's established tradition of blues-saturated originals, first-rate soloists, and blazing attack.
The new Messengers are heard to excellent advantage on three selections "D's Dilemma," "Just For Marty." and Gigi Gryce's "Nica's Tempo," the latter being one of the three originals herein that have become modern jazz perennials (the other two being Ray Bryant's "Cubano Chant" and Oscar Pettiford's "Oscalypso"). But before the December 1956 sessions that yielded "Nica's Tempo," as well as "D's Dilemma" and Hardman's "Just For Marty" we hear another side of Blakey: the dynamic, three-part "Drum Suite." From February 1957 comprising "The Sacrifice," pianist Ray Bryant's "Cubano Chant" and "Oscalypso," with the latter featuring bass giant Oscar Pettiford on cello. "Cubano Chant" and "Oscalpyso" are now like "Nica's Tempo." considered modern jazz perennials.
From the first bars of "The Sacrifice" which opens these proceedings with tympani and an authentic Swahili chant. One is instantly aware that Blakey and company — in this case the Art Blakey Percussion Ensemble, including five percussionists. plus Bryant and Pettiford — mean to transport us to Africa. In the stellar percussion section are Jo Jones. the innovative drummer of the classic Count Basle orchestras of the 1930s and '40s. as well as Charles -Specs" Wright. Candid° Camero. and Sabu Martinez, all of whom recorded extensively in the '50s.
The rest of this expanded edition of Drum Suite features three rare, but prime, bonus cuts from June 1956 by a short-lived edition of the Messengers. with ace trumpeter Donald Byrd partnering on the front line with the legendary multi-instrumentalist Ira Sullivan. The alternate take of Byrd's "The New Message" has like "The Sacrifice" been restored to its full length here. And in another notable addition. Kenny Washington. one of the finest drummers to emerge in the past 25 years, has written an exhaustively-researched, extensive essay.
Tracklist:
01. The Sacrafice
02. Cubano Chant
03. Oscalypso
04. Nica's Tempo
05. D's Dilemma
06. Just For Marty
07. Lil' T (aka The Third)
08. The New Message (aka Little T) - (take 1)
09. The New Message (aka Little T) - (take 3)
Download Link - Mediafire
wov,many thanks
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