The Jazz Messengers discography
The Jazz Messengers discography Studio albums 47 Soundtrack albums 2 Live albums 21 Compilation albums 6
The Jazz Messengers were a jazz band that existed with varying personnel for 35 years. Their discography consists of 47 studio albums, 21 live albums, 2 soundtracks, 6 compilations, and one boxed set.
Drummer Art Blakey was the leader or co-leader of the group throughout its existence. He is the drummer on all Jazz Messengers recordings and is therefore elided from personnel listings. Members recorded as either a quintet or sextet except for one 11-piece big band appearance and their expansion to a septet at the end.
The earliest recordings of the original Messengers were on Blue Note Records ; all of the original Messengers (except bassist Doug Watkins) had released albums under their own name on the label. Blue Note 1518 was a reissue of two previously released 10" LPs credited to The Horace Silver Quintet.
A few recordings on Columbia Records followed with a couple different formations. As the second Messengers lineup stabilized they recorded for the RCA sub-label Vik Records , interspersed with one-off recordings for Cadet Records , Jubilee Records , and Atlantic .
Starting in 1959, a new lineup with Lee Morgan , Benny Golson , Bobby Timmons , Jymie Merritt , and later Wayne Shorter , Freddie Hubbard , and Curtis Fuller would see the group return to Blue Note for several years. This group also traveled to Europe where a couple albums on Fontana Records appeared. In 1961, there was a single album on Impulse! Records . In 1963 the first of three releases appeared on Riverside Records , while new releases on Blue Note continued to be issued.
After Wayne Shorter departed for Miles Davis 's Second Great Quintet, the band signed with Quincy Jones' Mercury sub-label Limelight Records for three more releases starting in 1965.
Except for a 1970 release on the obscure Catalyst , and various bootlegs, the band did not release a recording between 1966 and 1972, when they re-appeared on Prestige Records for three more albums. In 1975 the band released an album with guest artist Sonny Stitt on the Swedish Sonet Records , then came two albums on Roulette Records in 1976 and 1978.
Starting in 1978, the band began to release albums on the Dutch Timeless Records and the Concord Jazz subsidiary of Concord Records. These groups included a changing lineup of young jazz musicians such as: Wynton and Branford Marsalis , Terence Blanchard , Donald Harrison , Wallace Roney , Mulgrew Miller , and Lonnie Plaxico .
Near the end, there were two albums on the Italian Soul Note label, and the final album on A&M Records . The Jazz Messengers came to an end with the death of Blakey in 1990.
Studio albums
Albums are listed in order of earliest recording session. Some albums were not released for many years after their recording. The formats listed are the formats issued at the original release date. Most of the albums have been reissued on compact disc, many with additional tracks. Some albums have also been reissued or repackaged on varying labels and formats. See the specific album articles for reissue information.
Album
Album Details
Personnel
Notes
The Jazz Messengers
Released: 1956
Recorded: April 5, and May 4, 1956
Label: Columbia (CL 897)
Format: LP
Hard Bop
Released: 1957
Recorded: December 12 and 13, 1956
Label: Columbia (CL 1040)
Format: LP
Ritual
Released: 1957
Recorded: January 14 and February 11, 1957
Label: Pacific Jazz (PJM-402)
Format: LP
The liner notes state that Pacific Jazz got this record in exchange for Columbia getting a record by Chet Baker .[ 1]
Tough!
Released: 1966
Recorded: Spring, 1957
Label: Cadet (4049)
Format: LP
Selections from Lerner and Loewe's...
Released: 1957
Recorded: March 13, 1957
Label: Vik Records (1103)
Format: LP
A Night in Tunisia
Released: 1957
Recorded: April 8, 1957
Label: Vik Records (1115)
Format: LP
Jackie McLean is credited as "Ferris Benda."[ 2]
Cu-Bop
Released: 1957
Recorded: May 13, 1957
Label: Jubilee (1049)
Format: LP
Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers with Thelonious Monk
Released: 1958
Recorded: May 14 and 15, 1957
Label: Atlantic (LP 1278 [Mono], SD 1278 [Stereo])
Format: LP
Hard Drive
Released: 1957
Recorded: August 9 and 11, 1957
Label: Bethlehem (6023)
Format: LP
Moanin'
Released: 1959
Recorded: October 30, 1958
Label: Blue Note (BLP 4003 [Mono], BST 4003 [Stereo])
Format: LP
Though known as Moanin' , the album was officially released as Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers .[ 3]
The Big Beat
Released: 1960
Recorded: March 3, 1960
Label: Blue Note (BLP 4029 [Mono], BST 84029 [Stereo])
Format: LP
Format: LP
Bobby Timmons returns to the Messengers, after a short engagement with Cannonball Adderley .[ 4]
Like Someone in Love
Released: 1966
Recorded: August 7 and 14, 1960
Label: Blue Note (BLP 4245 [Mono], BST 84245 [Stereo])
Format: LP
A Night in Tunisia
Released: 1960
Recorded: August 7 and 14, 1960
Label: Blue Note (BLP 4049 [Mono], BST 84049 [Stereo])
Format: LP
The Freedom Rider
Released: 1962
Recorded: February 18 and May 27, 1961
Label: Blue Note (BLP 4156 [Mono], BST 84156 [Stereo])
Format: LP
Roots & Herbs
Released: 1970
Recorded: February 18 and May 27, 1961
Label: Blue Note (BST 84347)
Format: LP
The Witch Doctor
Released: 1967
Recorded: March 14, 1961
Label: Blue Note (BST 84258)
Format: LP
Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers
Released: 1961
Recorded: June 13 and 14, 1961
Label: Impulse! (A-7)
Format: LP
Mosaic
Released 1961
Recorded: October 2, 1961
Label: Blue Note (BLP 4090 [Mono], BST 84090 [Stereo])
Format: LP
Buhaina's Delight
Released: 1963
Recorded: November 28 and December 18, 1961
Label: Blue Note (BLP 4104 [Mono], BST 84104 [Stereo])
Format: LP
Caravan
Released: 1963
Recorded: October 23 and 24, 1962
Label: Riverside (RLP 438 [Mono], RS 8438 [Stereo])
Format: LP
Golden Boy
Released: 1963
Recorded: 1963
Label: Colpix (CP 478 [Mono], SCP 478 [Stereo])
Format: LP
Free for All
Released: 1964
Recorded: February 10, 1964
Label: Blue Note (BLP 4170 [Mono], BST 84170 [Stereo])
Format: LP
Kyoto
Released: 1964
Recorded: February 20, 1964
Label: Riverside (RLP 493 [Mono], RS 9493 [Stereo])
Format: LP
Indestructible
Released: 1965
Recorded: April 24 and May 15, 1964
Label: Blue Note (BLP 4192 [Mono], BST 84193 [Stereo])
Format: LP
'S Make It
Released: 1965
Recorded: November 14, 16 and 25, 1964
Label: Limelight (LM 82001 [Mono], LS 86001 [Stereo])
Format: LP
Soul Finger
Released: 1965
Recorded: April 21 and May 12 and 13, 1965
Label: Limelight (LM 82018 [Mono] LS 86018 [Stereo])
Format: LP
Child's Dance
Released: 1972
Recorded: May 23 and July 28, 1972
Label: Prestige (P 10047)
Format: LP
Buhaina
Released: 1973
Recorded: March 26–29, 1973
Label: Prestige (P 10067)
Format: LP
Anthenagin
Released: 1973
Recorded: March 26–29, 1973
Label: Prestige (P 10076)
Format: LP
Steve Turre is listed as "Steve Turley" on the album.[ 5]
In Walked Sonny
Released: 1975
Recorded: May 16, 1975
Label Sonet (SNTF 691)
Format: LP
Backgammon
Released: 1976
Recorded: March 15 and 16, 1976
Label: Roulette (SR 5003)
Format: LP
Gypsy Folk Tales
Released: 1977
Recorded: February 12, 17, 28 and March 1, 1977
Label: Roulette (SR 5008)
Format: LP
In My Prime Vol. 1
Released: 1978
Recorded: December 29, 1977
Label: Timeless (SJP 114)
Format: LP
In My Prime Vol. 2
Released: 1978
Recorded: December 30, 1977
Label: Timeless (SJP 118)
Format: LP
Reflections in Blue
Released: 1979
Recorded: December 4, 1978
Label: Timeless (SJP 128)
Format: LP
Night in Tunisia: Digital Recording
Released: 1979
Recorded: February 12, 1979
Label: Philips (6385 943)
Format: LP
Album of the Year
Released: 1981
Recorded: April 12, 1981
Label: Timeless (SJP 155)
Format: LP
Oh-By the Way
Released: 1982
Recorded: May 20, 1982
Label: Timeless (SJP 165)
Format: LP
New York Scene
Released: 1984
Recorded: May, 1984
Label: Concord Jazz (CJ 256)
Format: LP
Blue Night
Released: 1985
Recorded: March 17, 1985
Label: Timeless (SJP 217)
Format: LP, CD
Feeling Good
Released: 1986
Recorded: September 8 and 9, 1986
Label: Delos (D/CD 4007)
Format: CD
Not Yet
Released: 1988
Recorded: March 19, 1988
Label: Soul Note (SN 1105)
Format: LP, CD
I Get a Kick Out of Bu
Released: 1988
Recorded: November 11, 1988
Label: Soul Note (SN 1155)
Format: LP, CD
Chippin' In
Released: 1990
Recorded: February 1 and 2, 1990
Label: Timeless (SJP 340)
Format: CD, LP
One for All
Released: 1990
Recorded: April 10 and 11, 1990
Label: A&M (75021 5329–2)
Format: CD
Live albums
Album
Album Details
Personnel
Venue
At the Cafe Bohemia, Vol. 1
Released: 1956
Recorded: November 23, 1955
Label: Blue Note (BLP 1507)
Format: LP
Café Bohemia , New York City
At the Cafe Bohemia, Vol. 2
Released: 1956
Recorded: November 23, 1955
Label: Blue Note (BLP 1508)
Format: LP
Café Bohemia, NYC
A Midnight Session with the Jazz Messengers
Released: 1957
Recorded: March 8 and 9, 1957
Label: Elektra (ELK 120)
Format: LP
Carl Fischer Concert Hall, NYC
1958 – Paris Olympia
Released: 1959
Recorded: November 22 and December 17, 1958
Label: Fontana (680 202)
Format: LP
Olympia , Paris, France
Art Blakey et les Jazz-Messengers au club St. Germain
Released: 1959
Recorded: December 21, 1958
Label: RCA (France) (430.043)
Format: LP
Club Saint-Germain , Paris, France
At the Jazz Corner of the World, Vols. 1 & 2
Released: 1959
Recorded: April 15, 1959
Label: Blue Note (BLP 4015, BLP 4016 [Mono]; BST 84014, BST 84016 [Stereo])
Format: LP
Birdland , NYC
Art Blakey et les Jazz Messengers au Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
Released: 1960
Recorded: November 15, 1959
Label: RCA (France) (430.054)
Format: LP
Théâtre des Champs-Élysées , Paris, France
Paris Jam Session
Released: 1960
Recorded: December 18, 1959
Label: Fontana (680 207)
Format: LP
Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Paris, France
Meet You at the Jazz Corner of the World, Vols. 1 and 2
Released: 1961
Recorded: September 14, 1960
Label: Blue Note (BLP 4054, BLP 4055 [Mono]; BST 84054, BST 84055 [Stereo])
Format: LP
Birdland, NYC
First Flight to Tokyo
Released: 2021 (November 5)
Recorded: January 14, 1961
Label: Blue Note
Format: LP/CD
Hibiya Public Hall, Tokyo, Japan
Three Blind Mice
Released: 1962
Recorded: March 18, 1962
Label: United Artists (UAJ 14002 [Mono], UAJS 15002 [Stereo])
Format: LP
The Renaissance Club, Hollywood , CA[ 6]
Ugetsu
Released: 1963
Recorded: June 16, 1963
Label: Riverside (RLP 464 [Mono], RS 9464 [Stereo])
Format: LP
Birdland, NYC[ 7]
Buttercorn Lady
Released: 1966
Recorded: January 1 and 9, 1966
Label: Limelight (LM 82034 [Mono] LS 86034 [Stereo])
Format: LP
Lighthouse, Hermosa Beach, CA
Jazz Messengers '70
Released: 1970
Recorded: February 19, 1970
Label: Catalyst (CAT 7902)
Format: LP
Victor Studio 1, Tokyo, Japan
In This Korner
Released: 1978
Recorded: May 8, 1978
Label: Concord Jazz (CJ 68)
Format: LP
Keystone Korner , San Francisco
One by One
Released: 1981
Recorded: November 4, 1979
Label: Palcoscenico (15005)
Format: LP
CIAK, Milan, Italy
Live at Montreux and Northsea
Released: 1980
Recorded: July 13 and 17, 1980
Label: Timeless (SJP 150)
Format: LP
Montreux Jazz Festival , Switzerland & North Sea Jazz Festival , The Netherlands
Art Blakey in Sweden
Released: 1981
Recorded: March 9, 1981
Label: Amigo (AMPL 839)
Format: LP
Södra Teatern , Stockholm, Sweden
Straight Ahead
Released: 1981
Recorded: June, 1981
Label: Concord Jazz (CJ 168, CCD 4168)
Format: LP
Keystone Korner, San Francisco
Keystone 3
Released: 1982
Recorded: January, 1982
Label: Concord Jazz (CJ 196 CCD 4196)
Format: LP
Keystone Korner, San Francisco
Live at Ronnie Scott's 1985
Released: 2000
Recorded: February 18, 1985
Label: BBC Legends (BBCJ 7003–2)
Format: CD
Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club , London, UK
Live at Ronnie Scott's
Released: 1985
Recorded: February 25, 1985
Label: DRG (91444)
Format: CD
Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, London, UK
Live at Sweet Basil
Sweet Basil Jazz Club , NYC
Live at Kimball's
Released: 1985
Recorded: April 13, 1985
Label: Concord Jazz (CJ 307, CCD 4307)
Format: LP, CD, CS
Kimball's, San Francisco
The Art of Jazz: Live in Leverkusen
Released: 1989
Recorded: October 9, 1989
Label: IN+OUT (77028–2)
Format: CD
Leverkusen Jazz Festival, Germany
Swiss Radio Days Jazz Series, Vol. 6: Lausanne 1960, 2nd Set
Released: 1996
Recorded: December 8, 1960
Label: TCB Records (TCB 02062)
Format: CD[ 8]
Théâtre de Beaulieu , Lausanne , Switzerland
Soundtracks
Compilation albums
Album
Album Details
Personnel
Notes
Horace Silver and the Jazz Messengers
Released: 1956
Recorded: December 13, 1954 and February 6, 1955
Label: Blue Note (BLP 1518)
Format: LP
This album is a reissue of two Blue Note 10" records, numbers 5058 and 5062; Horace Silver Quintet Vols. 1 & 2.
The Cool Voice of Rita Reys
Released: 1956
Recorded: May 3, and June 25, 1956
Label: Columbia (CL 903)
Format: LP
Jazz Messengers back up Rita Reys for half of this record.[ 9]
The Complete Blue Note Recordings of Art Blakey's 1960 Jazz Messengers [ 10]
Originally
Released: 1982
Recorded: April 5, May 4, June 25, December 12, 1956
Label: Columbia (FC 38036)
Format: LP
Drum Suite
Released: 1957
Recorded: December 13, 1956
Label: Columbia (CL 1002)
Format: LP
Side 1 is the Art Blakey Percussion Ensemble, recorded February 22, 1957, side two is the Jazz Messengers, credited separately, in the notes.[ 11]
Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers\The Elmo Hope Quintet Featuring Harold Land
Released: 1957
Recorded: January 14 and February 11, 1957
Label: Pacific Jazz (PJ-33)
Format: LP
Split record with Elmo Hope. Additional tracks from PJM-402.
Just Coolin'
Released: April 24, 2020
Recorded: March 8, 1959
Label: Blue Note
Format LP, CD, digital download
Shelved because the content is similar to At the Jazz Corner of the World
Africaine
Released: 1981
Recorded: October 10, 1959
Label: Blue Note (LT 1088)
Format: LP
Pisces
Released: 1979
Recorded: February 12 and May 27, 1961, and April 15, 1964
Label: King (Japan) (GFX-3060)
Format: LP
Live Messengers
Released: 1978
Recorded: August 17, 1961 and March 8, 1962
Label: Blue Note (BN-LA472-J2)
Format: LP
This 2 record set also contains previously unreleased tracks from the proto-Messengers A Night at Birdland featuring Clifford Brown from February 12, 1954.[ 12]
Notes
^ Michel, Ed (1957). Ritual (liner notes). PJM 402. Jazz Messengers; Blakey, Art . Pacific Jazz Records .
^ Hentoff, Nat (1957). A Night in Tunisia (liner notes). LX 1115. Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. Vik Records .
^ Kirchner, Bill, ed. (2005). The Oxford companion to jazz ([Pbk. ed.]. ed.). New York: Oxford University Press. pp. 376– 381. ISBN 0195183592 .
^ "Bobby Timmons" . Bobby Timons . Leo T Sullivan. Retrieved 20 October 2014 .
^ Anthenagin (liner notes). P 10076. Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. Prestige Records . 1973.{{cite AV media notes }}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link )
^ Three Blind Mice (liner notes). UAJ 14002. Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. United Artists Records . 1962.{{cite AV media notes }}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link )
^ Sherman, Ed (1963). Ugetsu (liner notes). RLP 464. Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. Riverside Records .
^ "Art Blakey, Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers – Swiss Radio Days Jazz Series, Vol. 6: Lausanne 1960, 2nd Set" . Retrieved 24 September 2023 – via www.allmusic.com.
^ Avakian, George (1956). The Cool Voice of Rita Reys (liner notes). CL 903. Reys, Rita; Wes Ilcken Combo; Jazz Messengers. Columbia Records .
^ Records, Mosaic (2021-06-09). "Art Blakey – 1960 Jazz Messengers – Mosaic Records" . Mosaic Records – Home for Jazz fans! . Retrieved 2021-07-21 .
^ Lampley, Cal (1957). Drum Suite (liner notes). CL 1002. Jazz Messengers, Art Blakey Percussion Ensemble. Columbia Records .
^ Gitler, Ira (1978). Live Messengers (liner notes). BN-LA472-J2. Blakey, Art. Blue Note Records .
References
External links
Studio albums Live albums Compilation albums Soundtrack albums Art Blakey solo albums Related