This excellent set features one of the best recordings by the second version of
the Jazz Messengers, and it is the only time that
Blakey featured both altoist
Jackie McLean and tenor saxophonist
Johnny Griffin together;
Griffin soon became
McLean's successor with the band. Also in the group at the time were trumpeter
Bill Hardman, pianist
Sam Dockery, and bassist
Spanky DeBrest. The selections include a lengthy version of "A Night in Tunisia,"
Sonny Rollins' "Evans," and an original apiece by
McLean,
Griffin, and
Hardman. The music overall lives up to one's expectations, with
Blakey's powerful drumming inspiring the soloists to play at their best. Classic hard bop. [Some reissues add three previously unreleased alternate takes, including "A Night in Tunisia."] ~ Scott Yanow