Art Blakey: Moanin'

For decades, Art Blakeys Jazz Messengers was a breeding ground for hard-bop talent. Countless numbers of future superstars honed their skills and cut their teeth in the drummers powerfully swinging group. 20-year-old Lee Morgan replaced Bill Hardman in 1958 and made a startling initial impression on Moanin, the opening track from his first recording with the Messengers. Undoubtedly one of the greatest trumpet solos of the modern era, Morgans famous, brilliantly self-assured opening exclamation solidified his status as the next great trumpet hero. With his crisp and funky licks in the A sections contrasted by elongated, linear phrases over the bridges, Morgans improvisation is not only astounding in content but in its structure as well. Displaying brilliance well beyond his years, the young trumpeters pomposity and dazzling technique is balanced by his strong blues sensibility and fluid lyricism. This crucial hard-bop classic is absolutely essential to any jazz collection.