This is the first of two volumes featuring the oft-documented late-'50s/early-'60s incarnation of
the Jazz Messengers
-- with
Lee Morgan
(trumpet),
Wayne Shorter
(tenor sax),
Bobby Timmons
(piano), and
Jymie Merritt
(bass). As always, the combo is led by the aggressive skins of
Art Blakey
(drums). Here all ears are tuned to the proverbial "
jazz
corner of the world," better known as
Birdland
, where the quintet serves up a healthy sampling of its concurrent catalog. Although the live recording suffers from a bit of distortion -- which appears to be on the master tape rather than being a manufacturing flaw -- the overall quality of the performance significantly downplays any and all audio anomalies. After a rousing introduction from
's master of ceremonies -- the highly affable
Pee Wee Marquette
-- the band introduces
Hank Mobley
's easy-boppin' and appropriately enough titled
"The Opener"
-- which is punctuated by some stirring interaction between
Shorter
and
Morgan
. The syncopated
blues
changes that drive through
's own
"What Know"
reflect his abilities as the quintessential composer for these
Jazz Messengers
. He incorporates his solid swinging
improvisational
skills into an open and free exchange of sonic ideas, not only with
-- whose solos sound comparatively stilted at times -- but with the rock-solid rhythm section as well, which is led by
's sonic cues. The second half of the disc contains some of the most inspired sides to be found on either installment of
Meet You at the Jazz Corner of the World
. The melodic and sensitive rendition of
"'Round About Midnight"
ranks among the best cover versions of the
Thelonious Monk
standard
. Again,
seamlessly banter back and forth -- with the latter executing a fluidity that contrasts with
's angular responses. A spirited
"The Breeze and I"
concludes this edition, allowing
Timmons
the opportunity to stretch out and motivate the exchange of musical ideas with solos that are well-placed and likewise sit comfortably in the context of this brass-driven combo. The sheer volume of releases by
Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers
-- especially this aggregate -- has obscured
in the context of the plethora of similarly classic live platters. That said, both volumes are a welcome addition to the library of most any
lover. ~ Lindsay Planer