This 1959 concert in Paris by
Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers has been sporadically available on various labels, but this reissue in Verve's Jazz in Paris series is the best sounding and best packaged of the lot.
Blakey's group of this period (
Lee Morgan,
Wayne Shorter,
Jymie Merritt, and
Walter Davis, Jr.) is in great form during an extended workout of
Morgan's intense blues "The Midget," and
Dizzy Gillespie's timeless "A Night in Tunisia" is kicked off by
Blakey's an electrifying solo. But it is the addition of some special guests for the first two numbers that proves to be extra special.
Bud Powell, sitting in for
Davis, and French saxophonist
Barney Wilen, on alto rather than his normal tenor sax, are both added to the band for inspired versions of
Powell's "Dance of the Infidels" and "Bouncing with Bud."
Morgan's trumpet playing is outstanding throughout the concert. This is one of the essential live dates in
Art Blakey's rather extensive discography.