New Music Releases: Art Blakely & The Jazz Messengers, Ellery Eskelin / Christian Weber / Michael Grenier, Herlin Riley

Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - Buhaina's Delight

A landmark recording by a whole new chapter in Art Blakey's career! During the early 60s, Blakey expanded the Jazz Messengers from a quintet to an incredibly tight sextet – adding in the trombone of Curtis Fuller for an extra-punched up frontline that also included Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, and Wayne Shorter on tenor, who had returned to the group after a short departure. The band was augmented by the wonderfully lyrical and soulful piano of a young Cedar Walton – who brought a strong degree of sophistication, and who was a perfect interpreter of Shorter's rich writing talents. The whole group performs together perfectly on this wonderful (and oft-overlooked) session – especially on the tracks "Shaky Jake", "Backstage Sally", and "Bu's Delight". ~ Dusty Groove

Ellery Eskelin / Christian Weber / Michael Grenier - Pearls

Tenorist Ellery Eskelin really sounds great here – carving out these soulful, angular lines in the kind of format that seems to make him shine the most – a trio, with Christian Weber on bass and Michael Grenier on drums! Some of the tunes are of older origin, which brings out some roots in the players we might not expect – while others are originals composed by the three, and presented in a style that mixes the modern and traditional in a very captivating way. Titles include "Magnetic Rag", "ABC", "Black Drop", "Jive At Five", "The Pearls", "La Fee Verte", "Ru Jardiniere", and "Il Gatto". ~ Dusty Groove

Herlin Riley - Perpetual Optimism

Great work from Herlin Riley – a drummer with plenty of New Orleans in his roots, but also a jazzman who never tries to hit you over the head with that legacy either! There's definitely a complexity in the rhythms that reflects Herlin's background – but the modes of expression are more contemporary, and more universal – as the songs feature some great criss-crossing between the trumpet of Bruce Harris and alto of Godwin Louis – the latter of whom might well be reason enough to check out the album! The horn lines are bold and soulful – and Riley gets great support from pianist Emmet Cohen and bassist Russell Hall – on titles that include "Perpetual Optimism", "Rush Hour", "Be There When I Get There", "Twelve's It", "Wings & Roots", and "Borders Without Lines". ~ Dusty Groove