Back catalogue:

Review: Jazz fans are in for a real treat here as Blue Note unleash a never before heard studio album by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers. It was recorded back in 1959 at the legendary Rudy Van Gelder's Hackensack studio and has Lee Morgan, tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley, pianist Bobby Timmons, and bassist Jymie Merritt all playing as part of the recording. As the title suggests, it's a breezy, super cool record with seductive trumpets and icy drums all next to neat keys that encourage you to gently bop. After months of waiting, it proves more than worth all the anticipation.

Review: First Flight to Tokyo: The Lost 1961 Recordings is sure to be a real thrill for fans of Art Blakey and his Jazz Messengers. It is a never before rebased or heard recording of a show they played at Hibiya Public Hall in Tokyo on January 14, 1961. The group was one of the first to tour the country and enthralled caudices everywhere they played. At the time, the band was made up of Lee Morgan on trumpet, Wayne Shorter on tenor sax, Bobby Timmons on piano and Jymie Merritt on bass and for this set they performed plenty of classics such as Charlie Parker's 'Now's the Time' and Thelonious Monk's 'Round About Midnight.'

Review: Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers' Moanin' is a quintessential hard bop album that effortlessly stands out with its classic, distinctive sound. Released in 1958, this seminal record features a lineup of jazz luminaries, including pianist Bobby Timmons, saxophonist Benny Golson, trumpeter Lee Morgan, and bassist Jymie Merritt. Despite its adherence to traditional hard bop elements, the album shines with an exceptional blend of precision, enthusiasm, and depth. The title track, 'Moanin',' composed by Timmons, sets the tone with its infectious groove, while Golson's contributionsi'Along Came Betty,' 'Blues March,' and 'Are You Real?'iadd a range of emotions and rhythms, from lyrical to powerful. The standout 'The Drum Thunder Suite' shows Blakey's unparalleled drumming strength, combining dynamic rhythms and Latin influences. The album's meticulous craftsmanship ensures that every track maintains the listener's attention, offering a mix of accessible melodies and intricate musicianship. Blakey's leadership and the band's chemistry result in an album that is not only a highlight of hard bop but also a compelling entry point for jazz enthusiasts. Moanin' remains a timeless classic, celebrated for its masterful execution and enduring impact on the jazz genre.

Review: Recorded during the same intense August 1960 sessions that produced another iconic album, this release showcases the brilliance of a hard-bop quintet, combining fiery improvisation with introspective ballads. The album opens with a standard tune that became a regular feature in the group's live sets, setting the stage for a collection of original compositions. Lee Morgan's 'Johnny Blue' stands out with its infectious blues line, while Wayne Shorter's compositionsiparticularly 'Sleeping Dancer Sleep On'ireveal his growing mastery of melody and complex chord changes. The track is a highlight, with lush, gospel-funky piano and a slow, stunning waltz rhythm. Shorter's 'Noise in the Attic' is a powerful drum showcase, allowing for blistering solos from the horns but placing special emphasis on the piano work. 'Giants', another Shorter composition, closes the album with a hard-bop anthem that keeps the energy high and steady throughout. While Blakey typically dominates with his high-energy drumming, here he takes a more restrained role, allowing the melodies to breathe. The synergy of the quintet is palpable, with Bobby Timmons' percussive piano providing a dynamic counterpoint to the horn lines.