Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers – Caravan (1963) [Reissue 2004] [SACD / Riverside Records – RISA-9438-6]

Title: Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers – Caravan (1963) [Reissue 2004]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Art Blakey’s Caravan, the first of his Riverside albums recorded in 1962, showcases one of the strongest Jazz Messengers lineups, featuring Freddie Hubbard (trumpet), Wayne Shorter (tenor sax), Curtis Fuller (trombone), Cedar Walton (piano), and Reggie Workman (bass), delivering unmatched musicianship and swinging force. Blakey, the group’s spiritual leader for nearly 15 years, drives the quintet with his signature blend of precision and power, most notably in his explosive solo on the fiery title track, a reimagined Duke Ellington piece. Hubbard and Shorter contribute memorable originals like the cohesive “Sweet ‘n’ Sour” and angular “Thermo,” while their soloing, alongside Fuller and Walton, ranks among the 1960s’ finest. The album’s synergy shines in both the sophisticated standards “Skylark” and “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning” and the dynamic originals “This Is for Albert” and “Sweet ‘n’ Sour.” Remastered in 2001 with two bonus tracks (alternate takes of “Sweet ‘n’ Sour” and “Thermo”), this SACD release captures the definitive Blakey and Jazz Messengers sound with vibrant clarity, making it a cornerstone of hard bop.

hraudio | allmusic | discogs

Tracklist:

01. Caravan
02. Sweet ‘n’ Sour (take 4)
03. Sweet ‘n’ Sour
04. (In the) Wee Small Hours (Of the Morning)
05. This Is For Albert
06. Skylark
07. Thermo (take 2)
08. Thermo

Personnel:

Art Blakey – drums
Wayne Shorter – tenor saxophone
Freddie Hubbard – trumpet
Curtis Fuller – trombone
Cedar Walton – piano
Reggie Workman – bass

Note:

Recorded on October 23 & 24, 1962 at Plaza Sound Studios, New York City.
Tracks “2 & 7” not on original LP release.

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