The two-LP
Big Beat features four different drummer-led units.
Art Blakey's 1962-1964
Jazz Messengers (with trumpeter
Freddie Hubbard, trombonist
Curtis Fuller, and tenor saxophonist
Wayne Shorter) perform "Caravan," "The High Priest," and a brief "The Theme."
Max Roach's 1958 Quintet (with trumpeter
Booker Little and
George Coleman on tenor) play three selections, including
Roach's drum solo "Conversation."
Elvin Jones meets up with his two brothers (cornetist
Thad and pianist
Hank) on some sextet sides, and
Philly Joe Jones heads two all-star groups that include such top musicians as trumpeters
Lee Morgan and
Blue Mitchell, and flutist
Herbie Mann. ~ Scott Yanow