Just Coolin'

About

Tucked within the enormous Blue Note catalog is a whole subfolder unto itself: recording after classic recording by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messenger. With the release of the long-lost <i>Just Coolin’</i>, it becomes clear that the Messengers’ discography is even more extensive than previously known. Because this particular incarnation of the Messengers—with Hank Mobley on tenor sax, Lee Morgan on trumpet, Bobby Timmons on piano, and Jymie Merritt on bass—recorded the live, two-volume <i>At the Jazz Corner of the World</i> at Birdland a mere few weeks after <i>Just Coolin’</i>, the latter likely got shelved as superfluou. There were four repeat tunes (Mobley’s title track, “M&M,” and “Hipsippy Blues” plus the standard “Close Your Eyes”), and fair enough, the live versions packed greater excitement, with a satisfyingly raw sound. But these unearthed studio takes still compel attention, adding to the historical record and our knowledge of each of these legendary player. Two previously unknown number, Bobby Timmons’ “Quick Trick” and the unattributed “Jimerick,” are also worthy additions to the Messengers’ compositional library, which spans more than four decade. .

via Apple Music

The Clerk says

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