Buhainas Delight by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers

18 Mar

Written by Mark Keresman
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Devotees of Blakey & early 1960s Blue Note rejoice! This 1961 session, known to History as Buhaina’s Delight, of one of the most dynamic and prolific editions of the Jazz Messengers is now available in the popular [remastered] CD format with FOUR bonus selections. While not nearly as soul-jazz/funky as the Lee Morgan/Bobby Timmons group, BD is full of sizzling, crackling, keenly rhythmic hard bop with inklings of the "strange days" of jazz-to-come (via Wayne Shorter’s uniquely brainy, urgent compositions). EVERYone is at or near the top of their game here, but especially Shorter (who in some ways presaged some of the 60s avant-gardists with his pointed, thoughtful sax-approach and compositions) and The Art-ist Forever Known as Blakey, who plays as if this was going to be his last shot at making a record (though he does get a tad over-enthusiastic at times). While not as shattering as AB’s albums Indestructible and Free For All, this particular Delight will satisfy the jones of BN boppers the world over, AND it’s a fine inauguration point for novices.

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers
CD Title: Buhainas Delight
Genre: BeBop / Hard Bop
Year Released: 2004
Reissue Original Release: 1962
Record Label: Blue Note
Musicians: A.B.: drums; Wayne Shorter: tenor sax; Freddie Hubbard: trumpet; Cedar Walton: piano; Jymie Merritt: bass. Recorded in Nov. & Dec. 1961. Liner notes by Bob Blumenthal & Leonard Feather.
Label Website: http://www.bluenote.com
Rating: Four Stars