Drums Around the Corner

Product Description:

DRUMS AROUND THE CORNER is a previously unreleased recording.

Personnel: Art Blakey (drums); Lee Morgan (trumpet); Bobby Timmons (piano); Paul Chambers, Jymie Merritt (bass); Philly Joe Jones, Roy Haynes (drums); Ray Barretto (congas).

Producer: Alfred Lion.

Reissue producer: Michael Cuscuna.

Recorded at Manhattan Towers, New York, New York on November 2, 1958 and the Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, New Jersey on March 29, 1959. Includes liner notes by Kenny Washington.

Digitaly remastered using 24-bit technology by Ron McMaster.

This is part of Blue Note's Limited Edition Connoisseur Series.

This rare session, finally released in 1999, represents some of the most powerful drumming by Art Blakey, Roy Haynes, and Philly Joe Jones. Gathered together under Blakey's leadership, these three legendary drummers, conga master Ray Barretto, and Lee Morgan, Bobby Timmons, and Jymie Merritt from the Jazz Messengers all converge into a stunning ensemble unlike any that had come before. Each piece not only offers swinging grooves and dynamic interaction between the musicians, but Blakey, Haynes, Jones, and Barretto each take turns propelling the group and soloing in his own signature way.

Blakey's legendary strength, Haynes' snap-crackle-pop, and Jones' melodic invention are all evident as they each produce mesmerizing improvisations, complimenting and topping each other as they go. Whether on Bird's "Moose The Mooche," the free-flowing "Drums In The Rain," or the standard "Lover," the focus here is on the primal energy of the drum and its legitimacy as an essential source of music. Also included are "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm" and "What Is This Thing Called Love," both of which are electrifying duets between Blakey and bassist Paul Chambers. For drumming fans, there is little left to ask for from this priceless collection.