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    ART BLAKEY&JAZZ MESSENGERS 70-CATALYST-7902-RECORDED FEB 19/1970
    Bill Hardman(tp)Carlos Garnet(ts)Joanne Brackeen(p)Jan Arnet(b)Art Blakey(d)
    Moanin
    Blues March
    Whisper Not
    What The World Needs Now Is Peace And Love
    It's Only A Paper Moon
    Politely
    A Night In Tunisia

    ART BLAKEY&JAZZ MESSENGERS 70-CATALYST-7902
    One of only two albums recorded by Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers during 1967-71, this LP is quite unusual, for not only does it feature veteran trumpeter Bill Hardman, but the avant-garde tenor of Carlos Garnett and pianist Joanne Brackeen (the first female member of The Jazz Messengers). Mostly performing durable standards such as "Moanin'," "Whisper Not" and "A Night in Tunisia," the quintet casts new light on these tunes, making them sound fresh and flexible. This unusual set is recommended to longtime followers of Art Blakey; it deserves to be reissued on CD.

    CHILDS DANCE-PRESTIGE-10047 RE REL AS VOL1 PRESTIGE24130
    Ramon Morris(fl)Buddy Terry(sop)John Hicks(el-p)Stanley Clark,Mickey Bass(b) Art Blakey(d)Nataniel Bettis Sonny Morgan,Richard Landrum(Perc)Emmanuel Rahim(cga)May 23/72
    Song For A Lonely Woman
    Woody Shaw (tp)George Cables(p-ep)Stanley Clarke(b)Art Blakey(d)
    I Can't Get Started July 28/72
    Ramon Morris(ts)Ray Mantilla(cga) added same date
    C.C.
    Manny Boyd (fl) added to previous pers. same date
    Child's Dance
    Kaku Aka

    CHILDS DANCE-PRESTIGE-10047
    After several years of few recordings, Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers re-emerged with totally new personnel on this Prestige LP. The strongest performance is a quartet feature for the great trumpeter Woody Shaw on "I Can't Get Started," but the other three selections (which include such musicians as George Cables or John Hicks on keyboards, bassist Stanley Clarke and Ramon Morris on reeds) are also worth hearing and sound surprisingly "contemporary" for the time. An interesting set. -- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

    BUHAINA-PRESTIGE-10067-RERELEASED AS VOL2-PRESTIGE 24159-REC:MARCH/73
    Woody Shaw (tp)Carter Jefferson(ts)Cedar Walton(p)Michel Howell(g)Mickey Bass(b)
    Art Blakey(d)Tony Waters(cga)Jon Hendricks(vcl)
    Moanin
    A Chant for Bu
    One For Trane
    Mission Eternal
    Along came Betty
    Gertrude's Bounce

    ANTHENAGIN-PRESTIGE-10076 MAY 3/73
    Woody Shaw (tp)Carter Jefferson(ts)Cedar Walton(p)Michel Howell(g)Mickey Bass(b)
    Art Blakey(d)Tony Waters(cga)Jon Hendricks(vcl)
    I'm Not So Sure
    Love For The One You Can't Have
    Fantansy In D
    Athenagin
    Without a Song
    Along Came Betty
    Siempre Mi Amore

    ANTHENAGIN-PRESTIGE-10076
    The 1973 version of The Jazz Messengers featured trumpeter Woody Shaw, Carter Jefferson's tenor, the keyboards of Cedar Walton (a member of the group a decade earlier) and, on two selections, trombonist Stever Turre. Despite Walton's occasional electric keyboards, this date returns to the feel of the earlier Jazz Messengers recordings with new versions of "Along Came Betty" and "Without a Song," fresh material contributed by Walton and Shaw and fiery hard-bop oriented solos. -- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

    IN WALK SONNY-SONET691-MAY16/75
    Bill Hardman(tp) David Schnitter(ts)Sonny Stitt(as) Walter Davis(P) Yoshio Suzuki(b)Art Blakey(d)
    Blues March
    It Might As Well Be Spring
    Birdlike
    I Can't Get Started
    Ronnie a Dynamite Lady
    In Walk Sonny

    IN WALK SONNY-SONET691
    Stitt joined Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers for this hardswinging LP, and he fits quite comfortably with the quintet (which includes the leader/drummer, trumpeter Bill Hardman, Dave Schnitter on tenor, pianist Walter Davis, Jr., and bassist Chin Suzuki). In addition to the title cut (a Sonny Stitt original), Stitt is in top form on "Blues March," "It Might as Well Be Spring," Freddie Hubbard's "Birdlike" and "I Can't Get Started"; he sits out on Davis's "Ronnie's a Dynamite Lady." The members of The Messengers sound inspired by Stitt's presence and everyone is in fine form on this excellent hard bop session. -- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

    ART'S BREAK-JOKER IT-2060-1976-OSLO-TUNIS
    Bill Hardman(tp)David Schnitter(ts)Mickey Tucker(p)Cameron Brown(b)Art Blakey(d)
    Bird Like
    Whisper Not
    Blues March
    Perception

    BACKGAMMON-ROULETTE-5003-RECORDED MAR 15-16/76
    Bill Hardman(tp)David Schnitter(p)Albert Daily(p)Chin Yoshi Suzuki(b)Art Blakey (d)Ladji Camara(vol)
    Uranus
    Whisper Not
    Backgammon
    Blues March
    Georgia On My Mind
    Third World Blues
    Namfulay
    I Can'T Get Started

    GYPSY FOLK TALES-ROULETTE-5007-RECORDED-FEB14-17-28-MARCH 1/77
    Valeri Ponamarev(tp)Curtis Fuller(tb)Bobby Watson(as)David Schnitter(ts)Walter Davis(p)
    Dennis Irwin (b)Art Blakey(d)
    Jodi
    Cami
    Miwako
    Gypsy Folk Tales
    Time Will Tell
    Ronnie's A dynamite Lady
    Hawkman
    Malibu

    GYPSY FOLK TALES-ROULETTE-5007
    The 1977 version of The Jazz Messengers introduced two new voices to jazz (altoist Bobby Watson and the Russian trumpeter Valeri Ponomarev) in addition to featuring tenor saxophonist Dave Schnitter, veteran pianist Walter Davis and bassist Dennis Irwin. This Roulette LP includes six fairly recent originals in addition to a pair of numbers co-written by drummer Art Blakey with saxophonist Bob Mintzer. Davis's "Gypsy Folk Tales" and "Jodi" are the best-known songs and the hard-bop oriented solos are consistently fresh. -- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide


    IN MY PRIME- VOL1-TIMELESS-114-RECORDED DEC 29/77
    Valeri Ponamarev(tp)Curtis Fuller(tb)Bobby Watson(as)David Schittner(ts)James Williams(p)
    Dennis Irwin (b)Art Blakey(d)Ray Mantilla(perc)
    Jody
    Not So Far At All
    1978
    To See Her Face
    Kamal

    IN MY PRIME- VOL1-TIMELESS-114
    Leader of The Jazz Messengers at the time of this recording for over 22 years, drummer Art Blakey was still discovering new talent. In addition to altoist Bobby Watson, trumpeter Valeri Ponomarev and David Schnitter on tenor, this particular session introduced the great pianist James Williams to The Messenger fold. Despite the changes in musical fashions, Art Blakey and his hard-bop institution were still turning out new material and solos in the late '70s that sound fresh and alive today. -- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide


    IN THIS KORNER-CONCORD JAZZ-68-RECORDED MAY 8/78
    Valeri Ponamarev(tp)Curtis Fuller(tb)Bobby Watson(as)David Schittner(ts)James Williams(p)
    Dennis Irwin (b)Art Blakey(d)
    Art Blakey Intro
    Pamela
    Unlimited
    In This Korner
    The Song Is You
    Dark Side Light Side

    IN THIS KORNER-CONCORD JAZZ-68-
    Although one of the lesser-known editions of The Jazz Messengers, the sextet featured on this Concord LP (trumpeter Valeri Ponomarev, altoist Bobby Watson, tenor saxophonist David Schnitter, pianist James Williams and bassist Dennis Irwin in addition to the leader/drummer) could hold its own with its more acclaimed predecessors and successors. Blakey always encouraged his sidemen to write new music, so on this set Williams, Watson and Ponomarev contributed fresh material for the hard-bop ensemble. Blakey fans should enjoy this underrated set. -- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide


    REFLECTIONS IN BLUE-TIMELESS-128-RECORDED DEC4/78
    Valeri Ponamarev(tp)Curtis Fuller(tb)Bobby Watson(as)David Schittner(ts)James Williams(p)
    Dennis Irwin (b)Art Blakey(d)Ray Mantilla(perc)
    Reflections in Blue
    E.T.A.
    Say Dr.J
    Mishima
    Ballad Medley
    MyFoolish Heart
    My One And Only Love
    Chelsea Bridge
    In A Sentimental Mood
    Stretching

    REFLECTIONS IN BLUE-TIMELESS-128
    The 1978 Jazz Messengers was one of Art Blakey's strongest groups in years, although it would soon be overshadowed by its successor (which introduced a young Wynton Marsalis). With trumpeter Valerie Ponomarev, altoist Bobby Watson and a tenor saxophonist forming a potent frontline and new material from each of the principals (plus pianist James Williams) in addition to a lengthy ballad medley, this is a fine all-around set, last available on LP. -- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

    IN MY PRIME -VOL 2-TIMELESS-118-RECORDED DEC 4/29/78
    Valeri Ponamarev(tp)Curtis Fuller(tb)Bobby Watson(as)David Schittner(ts)James Williams(p)
    Dennis Irwin (b)Art Blakey(d)Ray Mantilla(perc)
    Lift Every Voice And Sing
    Free For All
    Hawkman
    People Who Laugh
    Time Will Tell
    Ronnie A Dynamite Lady


    NIGHT IN TUNISIA-PHILLIPS (JAP) 6385943-RECORDED FEB 12/79
    Valeri Ponamarev(tp)Curtis Fuller(tb)Bobby Watson(as)David Schittner(ts)James Williams(p)
    Dennis Irwin (b)Art Blakey(d)
    A Night In Tunisia
    Blues March
    Moanin

    ONE BY ONE-PALCOSCENICO(IT) 15005-RECORDED NOV 4/79
    Valeri Ponamarev(tp)Curtis Fuller(tb)Bobby Watson(as)David Schittner(ts)James Williams(p)
    Dennis Irwin (b)Art Blakey(d)
    Gershwin Medley
    Rhapsody In Blue
    Summertime
    It Ain't Necessarily So
    Someone To Watch Over Me
    The Man I Love
    The Song Is You
    One By One
    Moanin

    JAZZBUHNE BERLIN'80-REPERTOIRE-409CC-May /80
    Valeri Ponamarev(tp)Bobby Watson(as)Bill Pierce(ts)James Williams(p)Charles Fambrough(b)Art Blakey(d)


    LIVE AT NORTH SEA AND MONTREUX BIG BAND-TIMELESS-150-RECORDED JULY13/17,1980
    Bill Pierce(ts)Bobby Watson (ts)Valerie Ponomarev(tp)James Williams(p)Charles Fambrough(b)
    Wynton Marsalis(tp)Branford Marsalis(as,bs)Robin Eubanks(tb)Kevin Eubank(g)John Ramsey(d)
    Art Blakey(d)
    Minor Thesis
    Wheel WithIn A Wheel
    Bit A Bittadose
    Stairway to The Stars
    Linwood

    LIVE AT NORTH SEA AND MONTREUX BIG BAND-TIMELESS-150
    The Jazz Messengers Big Band album on Timeless was culled from tapes recorded in July, 1980 at the Montreaux and NorthSea jazz festivals, and boasted the additional virtue of more similiarly striking soloists. In actuality, The Big Band was more of an extended sextet than it was an orchestra, for the charts (three originals by alto saxophonist Bobby Watson, one by pianist James Williams, and one standard) served as almost exclusively stepping stones for the many featured soloists. All were in top notch shape, with trumpeter Valerie Ponomarev and trombonist Robin Eubanks being the most exceptional of those not already mentioned. -- Jack Sohmer, Downbeat


    RECORDED LIVE AT BUBBAS-WHO'S WHO IN JAZZ-21019-RECORDED OCT 11/1980
    WyntonMarsalis(tp)BobbyWatson(as)BillyPierce(ts)JamesWilliams(p)Charles Fambrough(b)Art Blakey(d)
    Moanin
    My Funny Valentine
    Soulful Mr. Timmons
    My Ideal
    Free For All

    RECORDED LIVE AT BUBBAS-WHO'S WHO IN JAZZ-21019-
    The teenage trumpeter Wynton Marsalis (then most heavily influenced by Freddie Hubbard) made his recording debut as a member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers on this fine LP and, as his feature on "My Funny Valentine" shows, he was more than ready for the spotlight. This version of the Messengers was particularly strong with such future bandleaders as altoist Bobby Watson, tenor saxophonist Billy Pierce, pianist James Williams and bassist Charles Fambrough (along with the leader/drummer) rompin' on such pieces as "Moanin'," "Soulful Mr. Timmons" and "Free for All." -- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide


    WYNTON MARSALIS FIRST RECORDINGS-SECOND PART OF BUBBA CONCERT-KINGDOM JAZZ7013REC:SAME AS ABOVE
    WyntonMarsalis(tp)BobbyWatson(as)BillyPierce(ts)JamesWilliams(p)Charles Fambrough(b)Art Blakey(d)
    Angel Eyes
    Bitter Dose
    Jody
    Wheel With in A Wheel
    Gipsey


    ART BLAKEY IN SWEDEN-AMIGO-839-RECORDED MAR 9/81
    WyntonMarsalis(tp)BobbyWatson(as)BillyPierce(ts)JamesWilliams(p)Charles Fambrough(b)Art Blakey(d)
    Webb City
    How deep Is The Ocean
    Skylark
    Gypsy Folk Tales


    ALBUM OF THE YEAR-TIMELESS 155-RECORDED APRIL12/81
    WyntonMarsalis(tp)BobbyWatson(as)BillyPierce(ts)JamesWilliams(p)Charles Fambrough(b)Art Blakey(d)
    Cheryl
    Ms. B.C.
    In Case You Missed It
    Little Man
    Witch Hunt
    Soulful Mr Timmons

    ALBUM OF THE YEAR-TIMELESS 155
    The 1981 edition of The Jazz Messengers featured more than its share of young greats (trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, altoist Bobby Watson, tenor saxophonist Billy Pierce, pianist James Williams and bassist Charles Fambrough), reinforcing drummer Art Blakey's recognition as jazz's greatest talent scout. This high-quality set, recorded in Paris, includes new material (highlighted by James Williams's "Soulful Mister Timmons"), Wayne Shorter's "Witch Hunt" and the Charlie Parker blues "Cheryl." -- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide


    STRAIGHT AHEAD-CONCORD JAZZ-168-RECORDED JUNE 81
    WyntonMarsalis(tp)BobbyWatson(as)BillyPierce(ts)JamesWilliams(p)Charles Fambrough(b)Art Blakey(d)
    Fallin in Love With Love
    My Romance
    Webb City
    How Deep Is The Ocean
    E.T.A.
    The Theme

    STRAIGHT AHEAD-CONCORD JAZZ-168
    One of the best recordings by Art Blakey's 1981 Jazz Messengers, this set features Wynton Marsalis (then 19) on "How Deep Is the Ocean" and other illustrious sidemen (including altoist Bobby Watson, tenor saxophonist Bill Pierce and pianist James Williams) playing such group pieces as "Falling in Love with Love," "My Romance" and Watson's "E.T.A." Highly recommended. -- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

    KILLER JOE -STORYVILLE-4100-RECORDED DEC 4/81
    Wallace Roney(tp)Slide Hampton(tb)Brantford Marsalis(as,ts)Donald Brown(p)Charles Fambrough(b)
    Art Blakey,George Kawaguchi(d)Raiji Kawaguchi(perc)
    Killer Joe
    A Night In Tunisia
    Well You Needn't
    Tin Tin Deo
    Big Apple Jump

    KILLER JOE -STORYVILLE-4100
    This unusual LP finds Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers adding a second drummer, the fine Japanese player George Kawaguchi, to a set featuring three standards and two Kawaguchi pieces. Recorded at a time when Wynton Marsalis was on leave (touring with Herbie Hancock), this date showcases such players as trumpeter Wallace Roney, altoist Branford Marsalis and veteran trombonist Slide Hampton. Fine music, although a bit of an oddity. -- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide


    KEYSTONE 3-CONCORD JAZZ-196-RECORDED JAN 82
    Wynton Marsalis(p)Bill Pierce (ts)Branford Marsalis(as)Charles Fambrough(b)Donald Brown(p)Art Blakey (d)
    In walked Bud
    In A Sentimental Mood
    Fuller Love
    WaterFalls
    A La Mode

    KEYSTONE 3-CONCORD JAZZ-196
    Wynton Marsalis's final recording as a member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers finds his brother Branford taking Bobby Watson's place on alto. The remainder of this superb sextet includes tenor saxophonist Bill Pierce, pianist Donald Brown, bassist Charles Fambrough and the veteran drummer/leader. All concerned sound in top form on both new (Wynton's "Waterfalls" and Watson's "Fuller Love") and old ("In Walked Bud" and "In a Sentimental Mood") material alike. Mostly high-powered hard bop in the best tradition of The Jazz Messengers. -- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

    ART BLAKEY AND THE ALLSTAR JAZZ MESSENGERS-RCA (FR) 45365RECORDED APR11/82
    Freddie Hubbard(tp) Curtis Fuller (tb)Benny Golson (ts)Cedar Walton(p)Buster Williams(b) Art Blakey(d)
    Moanin
    City Bound
    Blues March
    Night In Tunisia
    I Remember Clifford
    Briell Samba

    ART BLAKEY AND THE ALLSTAR JAZZ MESSENGERS-RCA (FR) 4536
    Drummer Art Blakey could have formed quite a few all-star groups drawn exclusively from the alumni of his Jazz Messengers. One of his few one-shot bands of that nature sounds fine on this LP featuring trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, trombonist Curtis Fuller, Benny Golson's tenor, pianist Cedar Walton and bassist Buster Williams. In addition to newer Golson tunes, this unit clearly enjoys themselves playing such classics as "Moanin," "Blues March," "A Night in Tunisia" and "I Remember Clifford." Few surprises occur, but the music should satisfy Blakey's many fans. -- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

    OH BY THE WAY-TIMELESS 165-RECORDED MAY 20/82
    Terrance Blanchard(tp)Donald Harrison(as)Bill Pierce(ts)Johnny O'Neal(p)Charles Fambrough(b)
    Art Blakey(d)
    Oh- By The Way
    Duck Soup
    Tropical Breeze
    One By One
    Sudan Blue
    My Funny Valentine
    Alica

    OH BY THE WAY-TIMELESS 165
    When the Marsalis Brothers left The Jazz Messengers in early 1982, Wynton suggested that Art Blakey take a close listen to trumpeter Terence Blanchard (then 19) and 21-year old altoist Donald Harrison. The drummer took his advice, and after also adding young pianist Johnny O'Neal, Blakey soon had an exciting new version of The Jazz Messengers. Tenor saxophonist Bill Pierce and bassist Charles Fambrough were still present from the older band for this excellent LP. In the Blakey tradition, this set has five new compositions from bandmembers in addition to Wayne Shorter's "One by One" and the standard "My Funny Valentine"; the music is a fine example of high-quality hard bop. -- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

    CARAVAN ART BLAKEY AND THE ALLSTARJAZZ MESSENGERS-BAYSTATE-8071-REC:APRIL13-14/83
    Freddie Hubbard(tp)Curtis Fuller(tb)Benny Golson(ts)Walter Davis Jr(p)BusterWilliams(b)Art Blakey(d)

    AUREX JAZZ FESTIVAL-EASTWORLD-80270-RECORDED SEPT 2/83
    Terrance Blanchard, Wynton Marsalis(tp)Curtis Fuller(tb)Benny Golson(ts)Johnny O'Neal(p)
    Lonnie Plaxico(b)Art Blakey(d)
    Moanin
    Whisper Not
    Along Came Betty
    I Remember Clifford

    A GROOVY NIGHT WITH THE MAGNIFICENT SIXART BLAKEY ALL STARS -JAPAN-2025-FEB2/84
    Freddie Hubbard(tp)Curtis Fuller(tb)Benny Golson(ts)Walter Davis Jr(p)BusterWilliams(b)Art Blakey(d)


    NEW YORK SCENE-CONCORD-4256-RECORDED -MAY 1984
    Terrance Blanchard(tp)Donald Harrison(as)Jean Toussaint(ts)Mulgrew Miller(p)Lonnie Plaxico(b)Art Blakey(d)
    Oh, By The Way
    Ballad Medley
    My One And Only Love
    Its Easy To Remember
    Who Cares
    Controversy
    Tenderly
    Falafel

    NEW YORK SCENE-CONCORD-4256
    Nearly 30 years after forming the first version of The Jazz Messengers, drummer Art Blakey was still jazz's top talent scout. For this Concord LP such new members as tenor saxophonist Jean Toussaint, pianist Mulgrew Miller and bassist Lonnie Plaxico joined the team of trumpeter Terence Blanchard and altoist Donald Harrison (who had hooked up with Blakey two years earlier) to create a fine set of hard bop. Miller has a ballad medley to himself, Blanchard is well featured on "Tenderly" and the rest of the program features the full band on stimulating group originals. -- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

    ART BLAKEY-BLUE NIGHT-TIMELESS-217-RECORDED MARCH 17/85
    Terrance Blanchard(tp)Donald Harrison(as)Jean Toussaint(ts)Mulgrew Miller(p)Lonnie Plaxico(b)Art Blakey(d)
    Two Of A Kind
    Blue Minor
    Blue Night
    Body And Soul
    Mr. Combinated
    Two Of AKind (alt tk)
    Blue Minor (alt tk)
    Mr Combinated (alt tk)

    ART BLAKEY-BLUE NIGHT-TIMELESS-217
    The last time that drummer Art Blakey was able to keep a consistent personnel in his Jazz Messengers together for a lengthy period of time was the version he had with trumpeter Terence Blanchard and altoist Donald Harrison in the mid-'80s (a band which also included Jean Toussaint on tenor, pianist Mulgrew Miller and bassist Lonnie Plaxico). This excellent Timeless CD has a version of "Body and Soul" along with seven stimulating (if not overly memorable) recent originals by bandmembers. Fine modern hard bop. -- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide


    LIVE AT SWEET BASIL-PADDLEWHEEL-K28P6357-RECORDED MARCH 24/85
    Terrance Blanchard(tp)Donald Harrison(as)Jean Toussaint(ts)Mulgrew Miller(p)Lonnie Plaxico(b)Art Blakey(d)
    Jodi
    Blues March
    Mr.Babe
    Moanin

    LIVE AT SWEET BASIL-PADDLEWHEEL-K28P6357
    This excellent all-around session showcases the 1985 edition of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, a band that boasted such fine young soloists as trumpeter Terence Blanchard, altoist Donald Harrison, tenor saxophonist Jean Toussaint and pianist Mulgrew Miller. In addition to Harrison's "Mr. Babe" and Walter Davis's "Jodi," the ensemble successfully updates two Jazz Messenger classics: "Blues March" and "Moanin'." -- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide


    LIVE AT KIMBALS-CONCORD-307-RECORDED APRIL-1985
    Terrance Blanchard(tp)Donald Harrison(as)Jean Toussaint(ts)Mulgrew Miller(p)Lonnie Plaxico(b)Art Blakey(d)
    Second Thoughts
    I Love You
    Jody
    Old Folks
    You The Night And The Music
    Polka Dots And MoonBeams
    Dr Jekyl

    LIVE AT KIMBALS-CONCORD-307-
     Art Blakey's mid-1980's version of The Jazz Messengers made many recordings, but since the group (featuring trumpeter Terence Blanchard, altoist Donald Harrison, tenor saxophonist Jean Toussaint, pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Lonnie Plaxico and the leader/drummer) was particularly talented, all of its sessions are well worth acquiring by lovers of modern hard bop. This particular LP has ballad features for Blanchard ("Polka Dots and Moonbeams"), Toussaint ("I Love You") and Miller ("Old Folks" and "You and the Night and the Music") along with three flagwavers for the full ensemble. -- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide


    LIVE AT RONNIE SCOTTS-WADHAM-001-RECORDED-1985
    Terrance Blanchard(tp)Donald Harrison(as)Jean Toussaint(ts)Mulgrew Miller(p)Lonnie Plaxico(b)Art Blakey(d)
    On The Ginza
    I Want To Talk About You
    Two Of A Kind
    Dr. Jeckyll

    LIVE AT RONNIE SCOTTS-WADHAM-001
    The line-up of Blakey's Jazz Messengers on this February, 1985 London date includes trumpeter Terence Blanchard, saxophonists Donald Harrison and Jean Toussaint, pianist Mulgrew Miller and bassist Lonnie Plaxico. -- Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide


    HARD CHAMPION-PADDLEWHEEL-K28P6472-PROJAZZ-657 RECORDED MAY24/85-MAY3/87
    Terrance Blanchard(tp)Donald Harrison(as)Jean Toussaint(ts)Mulgrew Miller(p)Lonnie Plaxico(b)Art Blakey(d)
    Scenic Route
    Come Rain Or Come Shine
    Witch Hunt
    Hard Champion
    J.Harper(tp)Kenny Garrett(as)Jevon Jackson(ts)Benny Green (p)Peter Washington(b)

    HARD CHAMPION-PADDLEWHEEL-K28P6472-PROJAZZ-657 
    Three of the four selections on this CD are taken from the same session as Live at Sweet Basil, but despite some fine playing, the music is not all that memorable or unique. Trumpeter Terence Blanchard, altoist Donald Harrison and tenor saxophonist Jean Toussaint did make a potent frontline so completists may want to pick up this reissue of Paddle Wheel material that was only previously released in Japan. A final throwaway track (the three-minute "Theme of 'Hard Champion'") was actually recorded two years later by a different version of The Jazz Messengers. -- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide


    NEW YEARS EVE AT SWEET BASIL-PROJAZZ-651 VOL ONE RECORDED DEC30/31/85
    Terrance Blanchard(tp)Donald Harrison(as)Jean Toussaint(ts)TimWilliams(tb)Mulgrew Miller(p)
    Lonnie Plaxico (b)Art Blakey (d)
    Hide And Seek
    Little Man
    New York
    I Want To Talk About You

    NEW YEARS EVE AT SWEET BASIL-PROJAZZ-651
    One of two CD's recorded by The Jazz Messengers during the last two days of 1985 documents one of the final appearances by the Terence Blanchard-Donald Harrison version of this jazz institution. With trombonist Tim Williams (along with tenor saxophonist Jean Toussaint, pianist Mulgrew Miller and bassist Lonnie Plaxico) added on, The Messengers were temporarily a septet, but their blend of hard bop and youthful enthusiasm was unchanged. Three group originals and Billy Eckstine's "I Want to Talk About You" are performed by this fine group. The Evidence CD is a reissue of music formerly issued by the Japanese Paddle Wheel label. -- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide


    NEW YEARS EVE AT SWEET BASIL-DR JECKELL-PROJAZZ-624 VOL TWO RECORDED DEC30/31/85
    Terrance Blanchard(tp)Donald Harrison(as)Jean Toussaint(ts)TimWilliams(tb)Mulgrew Miller(p)
    Lonnie Plaxico (b)Art Blakey (d)
    Fuller Love
    Dr. Jeckyle
    81
    One BY One

    NEW YEARS EVE AT SWEET BASIL-DR JECKELL-PROJAZZ-624 
    The second of two CD's documenting one of the last appearances by The Jazz Messengers before trumpeter Terence Blanchard and altoist Donald Harrison decided to go out on their own finds Blakey's group expanded temporarily to a septet with the addition of trombonist Tim Williams. The ensemble is in particularly strong form on Bobby Watson's "Fuller Love," Jackie McLean's "Dr. Jeckyle," Wayne Shorter's "One by One" and the advanced Ron Carter tune "81." -- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

    FAREWELL-PADDLEWHEEL-4141 2CD DEC3/85
    Terrance Blanchard(tp)Donald Harrison(as)Jean Toussaint(ts)TimWilliams(tb)Mulgrew Miller(p)
    Lonnie Plaxico (b)Art Blakey (d)

    BLUE MOON-ZOUNDS-2720010-NOV/87
    Phillip Harper(tp)Robin Eubanks(tb)Javon Jackson(ts)Benny Green(p)Peter Washington(b)Art Blakey(d)


    NOT YET-SOUL NOTE-1105 RECORDED MARCH 19/88
    Phillip Harper(tp)Robin Eubanks(tb)Javon Jackson(ts)Benny Green(p)Peter Washington(b)Art Blakey(d)
    Kenji's Mood
    For Heaven Sake
    Not Yet
    I'll Never Be the Same
    Uranus
    Falling In Love With Love
    Kelo

    NOT YET-SOUL NOTE-1105
    The 1988 edition of The Jazz Messengers, which drummer Art Blakey had been leading for 33 years, showed a great deal of promise. Comprised of trumpeter Philip Harper (soon to form The Harper Brothers), trombonist Robin Eubanks, the tenor of Javon Jackson, pianist Benny Green and bassist Peter Washington, this band (whose average age without counting Blakey was around 25) performs one original apiece by Green and Jackson along with five older songs on this enjoyable release. The music may not have contained too many surprises or been startlingly new, but the results are quite pleasing. -- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

    STANDARDS-PADDLEWHEEL-6026-SEPT/88
    Phillip Harper(tp)Robin Eubanks(tb)Javon Jackson(ts)Benny Green(p)Peter Washington(b)Art Blakey(d)


    I GET A KICK OUT OF BU-SOUL NOTE-12155 RECORDED NOV 11/88
    Phillip Harper (tp) Robin Eubanks(tb)Javon Jackson(ts)Benny Green (p)Leon Dorsey(b)Art Blakey(d)
    Yang
    Good Morning Heartache
    Mayreh
    Remember When
    Love Walk In
    Lover Man
    Drum Solo No.7
    I Get A Kick Out Of You

    I GET A KICK OUT OF BU-SOUL NOTE-12155 
    Even after heading the Jazz Messengers for over three decades, drummer Art Blakey kept true to his original vision, using the band as a forum for talented young players to swing hard and grow rapidly. Certainly his crop of players in 1988 (which included trumpeter Philip Harper, trombonist Robin Eubanks, tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson and pianist Benny Green) could compete favorably with many of his earlier bands. This Soul Note release, which includes a nine-minute drum solo by the leader, mostly sticks to inventive reworkings of standards along with a song apiece from Eubanks and Harper. Excellent music. -- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide


    FEELING GOOD-DELOS-4007-SEPT 8/9-86
    Wallace Rooney(tp)Kenny Garrett(as)Jean Toussaint(ts)Tim Williams(tb)Donald Brown(p)
    Peter Washington(b)Art Blakey(d)
    On The Ginza
    Feeling Good
    Minors Holiday
    Seconds Thoughts
    Caravan
    Crooked Smile
    One by One
    Obsession

    FEELING GOOD-DELOS-4007
    After nearly a decade of relative stability, the turnover in Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers greatly increased during the veteran drummer's last four years. This was not due to dissatisfaction with his dedication to hard bop and hard-swinging but to Blakey's desire to play with as many of the promising young jazzmen as possible. The CD Feeling Good, The Jazz Messengers' only recording from 1986-87, features a septet with trumpeter Wallace Roney, altoist Kenny Garrett and holdovers Jean Toussaint (on tenor), trombonist Tim Williams and pianist Donald Brown. The repertoire includes both new originals and a few Messenger standbys; the music is consistently enjoyable. -- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide


    FEEL THE WIND-TIMELESS-307-RECORDED OCT31-NOV1,1988
    Freddie Hubbard(tp)Javon Jackson(ts)Benny Green(p)Leon Dorsey(b)Mulgrew Miller(p)LonniePlaxico(b)Art Blakey(d)
    Arieties
    Feel The Wind
    Embraceable You
    Off Minor
    Up Jump Spring
    Piano Trio Medley
    Big Foot


    THE ART OF JAZZ-IN AND OUT-RECORDED OCT 9/1989 LIVE AT LEVERKUSEN
    Terance Blanchard,Freedie Hubbard(tp)Curtis Fuller(tb)Jackie Mclean(as)Benny Golson,Wayne Shorter(ts)Walter Davis Jr(p)Buster Williams(b)Roy Haynes(d)Michelle Hendricks(voc)
    Two Of A Kind
    Moanin
    Along Came Betty
    Lester Left Town
    Mr Blakey
    Drum Solo
    Blues March
    Buhainas Valediction
    Interview

    THE ART OF JAZZ-IN AND OUT
    Drummer Art Blakey and the 1989 version of his Jazz Messengers (with trumpeter Brian Lynch, tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson, trombonist Frank Lacy, pianist Geoff Keezer and bassist Buster Williams) celebrated the leader's 70th birthday by welcoming back several notable alumni: trumpeters Freddie Hubbard and Terence Blanchard, altoists Jackie McLean and Donald Harrison, tenors Wayne Shorter and Benny Golson, pianist Walter Davis Jr. and trombonist Curtis Fuller. This single CD has some of the highlights of the British concert, although one wishes that the entire date had been released, for some of the musicians only make cameo appearances. Highlights include the opportunities to hear Shorter in this setting (he is well featured on "Lester Left Town") and versions of "Along Came Betty" and "Blues March" that contain short solos from many of the players. In addition, Michele Hendricks sings Horace Silver's words to "Mr. Blakey"; drummer Roy Haynes plays second drums on "Blues March"; and the CD concludes with a nearly-13 minute interview that Mike Hennessey conducted with Blakey in 1976 in which the drummer reminisces about the Jazz Messengers' early days. Well worth picking up. -- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

    CHIPPIN IN-TIMELESS-SJP340-RECORDED FEB1/2/90
    Dale Barrow(ts)Javon Jackson(ts)Brian Lynch(tp)Frank Lacy(tb)Geoffrey Keezer(p)Essiet O.Essiet(b)
    Art Balkey AKA Abdullah Ibn Buhaina(d)
    Brainstorming
    Byrdflight
    Hammerhead
    Aquarius Rising
    Kay Pea
    Chippin In
    Rain Check
    Chander's Dan
    Kenji's Work
    Love Walk In

    CHIPPIN IN-TIMELESS-SJP340
    35 years after first officially forming The Jazz Messengers, drummer Art Blakey entered his final year still at it. Due to the many promising young players around at the time, Blakey expanded The Messengers from its usual quintet or sextet into a septet for this fine recording session. In addition to trumpeter Brian Lynch, pianist Geoff Keezer and bassist Essiet Okon Essiet, this version of The Messengers had two tenors (Javon Jackson and Dale Barlow) and a pair of alternating trombonists (Frank Lacy and Steve Davis). Quite typically, other than Wayne Shorter's obscure "Hammerhead" and two standards, all of the material on this CD was new and composed by Blakey's sidemen. Because Blakey constantly persuaded his musicians to write music, The Jazz Messengers stayed young in spirit, just like its leader. A fine effort. -- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide


    ONE FOR ALL-A&M-395329-RECORDED APRIL/90
    Dale Barrow(ts)Javon Jackson(ts)Brian Lynch(tp)Steve Davis (tb)Geoffrey Keezer(p)Essiet O.Essiet(b)
    Art Balkey AKA Abdullah Ibn Buhaina(d)
    Here We Go
    One For All And All For One
    Theme For Penny
    You've Changed
    Accidently Yours
    Medley:
    My Little Brown Book
    Blame It On My Youth
    It Could Happen To You
    Green Is Mean
    Ill Wait And Pray
    Logarythmns
    Bunyip
    Polkadots And Moonbeams
    Nica'sTempo

    ONE FOR ALL-A&M-395329
    The final recording by Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers found the 70-year old drummer (just months before his death) doing what he loved best, leading a group of young players through hard-swinging and generally new music in the hard-bop style. The last edition of The Jazz Messengers (a septet with trumpeter Brian Lynch, trombonist Steve Davis, the tenors of Dale Barlow and Javon Jackson, pianist Geoffrey Keezer and bassist Essiet O. Essiet) was comprised, as usual, of future bandleaders and stylists. Blakey, although pretty well deaf by this time, still pushed the ensembles and the individual players to play above their heads. A satisfying final effort from an irreplaceable drummer and bandleader. -- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide