Credits:

Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers

Description:

The teenage trumpeter Wynton Marsalis (then most heavily influenced by Freddie Hubbard) made his recording debut as a member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers on this fine album and, as his feature on “My Funny Valentine” shows, he was more than ready for the spotlight. This version of the Messengers was particularly strong with such future bandleaders as altoist Bobby Watson, tenor saxophonist Billy Pierce, pianist James Williams and bassist Charles Fambrough (along with the leader/drummer) rompin’ on such pieces as “Moanin’,” “Soulful Mr. Timmons” and “Free for All.” ~ Scott Yanow