Art Blakey: At The Cafe Bohemia, Volume 1

1. Announcement By Art Blakey 2. Soft Winds 3. The Theme 4. Minor's Holiday 5. Alone Together 6. Prince Albert 7. Lady Bird 8. What's New 9. Deciphering The Message

Although the great drummer Art Blakey took full control of the Messengers soon after, this 1955 live date features the original lineup, the one co-led by pianist Horace Silver. Filled out by trumpeter Kenny Dorham, tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley, and bassist Doug Watkins, the original Messengers recorded just one studio record (billed as Horace Silver & the Jazz Messengers), which quickly became the standard to beat in hard bop. Volume 1 of the Bohemia records shows them to be a versatile bunch capable of lightning-quick bop workouts, tender ballads, and deep, bluesy grooves. Dorham's trumpet work is especially vibrant; Silver's piano is an unmatched combination of funk and fire, and he also offers some marvelously clever accompaniment. Blakey, of course, steers from behind the skins. After Blakey and Silver split, both led bands that were at the pinnacle of hard bop, so imagine how potent they were when they played together. --Marc Greilsamer

Price: $12.98