Art Blakey - 3 Blind Mice: Jazz Messengers

A classic hard-bop session from drummer and bandleader Art Blakey, 3 Blind Mice features a formidable edition of the Jazz Messengers with Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, Wayne Shorter on tenor saxophone, Curtis Fuller on trombone, Cedar Walton on piano, Jymie Merritt on bass, and Blakey on drums.

The album's six-track program showcases both the compositional strength and fiery ensemble playing that made the Jazz Messengers one of the defining groups of modern jazz. Selections include Curtis Fuller's “Three Blind Mice,” “Blue Moon,” “That Old Feeling,” Cedar Walton's “Plexis,” Freddie Hubbard's “Up Jumped Spring,” and “When Lights Are Low.” With arrangements contributed by Fuller, Shorter, Walton and Hubbard, the record balances standards with originals from several of the era's most important jazz composers.

Recorded at The Renaissance in Hollywood, the performances capture a remarkable Jazz Messengers lineup at the beginning of the 1960s, when Blakey's group was helping define the hard-bop sound. This United Artists Jazz release is an excellent addition for collectors of Blakey, Freddie Hubbard, Wayne Shorter and Blue Note-era hard bop.