Art Blakey - Caravan (1962)

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Art Blakey - Caravan (1962)

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Yet another fabulous session by Art Blakey and his Jazz Messengers from the early '60s. "Caravan" was the Messengers' debut for Riverside during a time when they primarily recorded sessions for Alfred Lion's Blue Note label. This is the sextet version of the group, with Freddie Hubbard, Curtis Fuller, and Wayne Shorter forming one of the best front lines of all time. As usual, the band is the epitome of classic hard bop, with tight ensemble work, highly advanced arrangements, and powerful solos by all. The group's impressive arrangement of Duke Ellington's "Caravan" opens the set with signature African drum grooves and solos from the leader. Music director Shorter contributes two original selections for the set; his swinging waltz "Sweet 'N' Sour" is offered in two takes, and the moving "This is For Albert" is, interestingly enough, a dedication to pianist Bud Powell. One of the group's strengths, of course, was their treatment of standards, and both "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning" and "Skylark" receive beautiful readings here. Freddie Hubbard's classic "Thermo" gets two excellent takes to close the set in true Messengers fashion.