Art Blakey

At the Jazz Corner of the World

Pistas:
1. Hipsippy Blues
2. Justice
3. The Theme
4. Close Your Eyes
5. Just Coolin'
6. Chicken An' Dumplins
7. M and M
8. Hi-Fly
9. The Theme
10. Art's Revelation

Art Blakey . At the Jazz Corner of the World . Recording Date Apr 15, 1959 Label Blue Note Time 75:01 Genre Styles Jazz Hard Bop

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. --Marc Greilsamer