=======Artist: Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers=======

ART BLAKEY’S JAZZ MESSENGERS / THELONIUS MONK

Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers With Thelonious Monk

(4 Men With Beards) Used LP $16.00

On the 2002 reissue of this 1958 date by Art Blakey (drums), Johnny Griffin (tenor sax), Bill Hardman (trumpet), and Spanky Debrest (bass), Hardman immediately ups the ante with a pile-driving lead during “Evidence” that underscores the heavy-hitting nature of this particular jazz confab. Monk counters with some powerful and inspired runs that are sonically splintered by the enthusiastic — if not practically percussive — chord progressions and highly logistic phrasings from the pianist. The inherent melodic buoyancy on “In Walked Bud” contains a springboard-like quality, with Griffin matching Monk’s bounce measure for measure. Griffin’s incessant efforts create a freshness to the tune that often escapes other less inspired readings. From Blakey’s boisterous opening on “Blue Monk” through to Monk’s single-note crescendo during the finale, the Jazz Messengers’ lethargic propulsion showcases the melody’s bluesy origins. This directly contrasts the uptempo charge of “Rhythm-A-Ning.” The quirky yet catchy chorus glides with the dual-lead horn section as the entire arrangement is tautly bound by the understated Debrest and Blakey.