Art Blakey: Crisis
Musicians:
Art Blakey (drums), Freddie Hubbard (trumpet), Wayne Shorter (tenor sax), Curtis Fuller (trombone), Cedar Walton (piano), Jymie Merritt (bass).
Recorded: Englewood Cliffs, NJ, October 1, 1961
Rating: 92/100 (learn more)
This standout edition of the Jazz Messengers was stocked with not only fantastic improvisers but fine composers as well. Their compositions were often tinged with Eastern modalities, though Blakey’s big beat and ever-present drive kept them groovy. Hubbard’s “Crisis” is powered by Merritt’s funky repetitive bassline and the leader’s volcanic drumming. The difficult descending harmonies are navigated convincingly by all soloists and colored with many emphatic, soulful exclamations. Hubbard displays his distinctive fiery confidence, Shorter takes a more thoughtful approach, and Fuller, while forced to deal with overzealous comping from Walton, adds some well-phrased lyrical blowing. A highlight in the extensive Jazz Messengers discography.
Reviewer: Matt Leskovic
Tags: blue note · hard bop · jazz messengers · trumpet
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