Art Blakey: Pensativa
Track
Pensativa
Group
Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers
CD
Free For All (Blue Note 84170)
Musicians:
Art Blakey (drums), Freddie Hubbard (trumpet), Wayne Shorter (tenor sax), Curtis Fuller (trombone), Cedar Walton (piano), Reggie Workman (bass).
Composed by Clare Fischer
.Recorded: Englewood Cliffs, NJ, February 10, 1964
Rating: 100/100 (learn more)
This is one of my favorite records of all time, and every tune is a classic. I chose this track because it is the most swingin’ bossa nova ever recorded! What a great arrangement and flawless execution from all concerned! Freddie’s solo begins with a declarative statement and is filled with lyricism, and hip notes, the most swingin’ time. I love the way he anticipates the chords, his sense of dynamics, his wonderful ability to hold common tones through chords. There is a Brazilian Portuguese musician-slang word denoting a certain style of playing, Nogento, that doesn’t quite translate well into English…the closest I might come is “Stanky,” and this solo is Nogento like a m.f.!
Reviewer: Randy Brecker
Other reviews for this track:
Related Links
The Dozens: Essential Art Blakey by Eric NovodThe Dozens: The Best of the Art Blakey Alums by Eric Novod
Tags: bossa nova · pensativa
I agree with Randy and would add that Wayne Shorter also delivers one of his classic offerings on this beautiful tune. The changes are a challenge to blow over, but the players all play so effortlessly, one gets the illusion the tune is far simpler than it really is.