Art Blakey And His Jazz Messengers - Chippin’ In

Format: 2 x LP
Catalogue No.: TWM70LITA
Barcode: 735202315132
Release Date: 20 Aug 2021
Genre: Jazz

North American version on CLEAR vinyl (2XLP). Non-Returnable. 
Limited DOUBLE 180g Vinyl Edition (500 copies) with obi strip.
Rare Dutch studio recordings, one of Art’s last sessions before he passed away.Comes with insert/liner notes

Art Blakey (1919–1990) actually needs little introduction, the American Jazz drummer and bandleader made a name for himself in the 1940s & 1950s playing with contemporaries such as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker. He is often considered to have been Thelonious Monk's most empathetic drummer (he played on both Monk’s first recording session in 1947 and his final one in 1971). In the decades that followed Blakey recorded for all THE labels that mattered in the field of jazz (Columbia, Blue Note, Atlantic, RCA, Impulse!, Riverside, Prestige, Verve, etc.). His collaborations were numerous and include working with equally legendary artists such as Sonny Rollins, Max Roach, Chet Baker, John Coltrane….and countless others.

Art Blakey was a major figure and a pioneer for modern jazz, he assumed an aggressive swing drumming style early on in his career and is known as one of the inventors of the modern bebop style of drumming. His signature polyrhythmic style was amazing, exuding power and originality, creating a dark cymbal sound punctuated by frequent loud snare and bass drum accents in triplets or cross-rhythms. A loud and domineering drummer…but Blakey also listened and responded to the others in the band. He was an original, an important drummer you’d hear…and would recognize immediately.

Released on the legendary Dutch jazz label Timeless Records and one of his final recordings…on the album w e are presenting to you today (Chippin’ In) you’ll find ten sublime tracks recorded at Rudy van Gelder’s Recording Studio in February 1990. Art Blakey passed away just 8 months after these tracks were cut and you can’t hear any signs of him slowing down at all. For these specific recordings, The Jazz Messengers were expanded from its usual quintet or sextet into a septet and they showcase their energetic signature sound with remarkable style, musical knowledge, a dash of good humor and camaraderie you’d expect from a world class band who have entertained, thrilled and amazed for almost five decades. The line-up on these fantastic sessions includes non-other than Essiet Okon, Geoff Keezer, Dale Barlow, Javon Jackson, Frank Lacy, Steve Davis and Brian Lynch…impressive to say the least!

Chippin’ In sounds as successful, young and vibrant as ever! Expect supercharged hard bop with striking notes, no-holds-barred musicianship, high swinging solos, screaming choruses and plenty of solid virtuosity to spare. This electrifying set of tracks contains both originals and several eclectic versions of standards…making this release a bonafide hit and a must have for any self-respecting jazz fan or collector.

SIDE A 01 Brain Stormin' 02 Byrdflight 03 Hammerhead SIDE B 04 Aquarius Rising 05 Kay Pea 06 Chippin’ In SIDE C 07 Raincheck 08 Chandek's Den SIDE D 09 Kenji's Walk 10 Love Walked In

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