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ART BLAKEY
Drums Around The Corner (Blue Note)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale
Another gem from the Blue Note Connoisseur series of unreleased sessions from the Blue Note vaults, Drums Around The Corner features Art Blakey leading a percussion laden ensemble that includes himself and Roy Haynes on trap kits, Philly Joe Jones on traps and tympani and Ray Barretto on congas. The lineup is rounded out by a trio of players from the then current edition of the Jazz Messengers, Lee Morgan (trumpet), Bobby Timmons (piano) and Jymie Merritt (bass).
The six tracks that feature the four drummers are among the finest examples of the percussion ensembles that Blakey put together over the years. Any musician who creates sound by putting hand or stick to skins would do well to spend some time woodshedding with this one. Not only is the drumming consistently tight and creative, but Blakey's talent in organizing the session so that each player had room to give his best without stepping on his fellow players is impressive and inspirational.
It's also some of Lee Morgan's finest work, from one of his peak periods. Bobby Timmons' contribution as a rhythm player in the presence of one of the most skilled and extensive assemblages of rhythm imaginable is similarly noteworthy. Merritt walks his bass in, through and about the entire proceedings with a deft touch as well.
The album closes with two numbers from another session, featuring Blakey in a duo format with bass legend Paul Chambers. "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm" is the only cut on the CD that has had a previous release, and the compilation it appeared on is long out of print. Cole Porter's "What Is This Thing Called Love" debuts here, and both are welcome additions to the catalogs of both players.
The drum ensemble cuts were laid down just days after the Jazz Messengers' sessions that produced the classic album Moanin', so it may be just as well that time passed before this release. There's time now to give it the full consideration that it deserves, and it deserves as much consideration as you can muster.
Track List:
Moose The Mooche * Blakey's Blues * Lee's Tune * Let's Take 16 Bars * Drums In The Rain * Lover * I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm * What Is This Thing Called Love
© 2000 - Shaun Dale