Customer Reviews

1958- Paris Olympia

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's wonderful that we can hear a 50 year old Paris concert by this legendary group. It's unfortunate that we had to sit too close to the drum kit and can't move for a better sound mix. But that is a minor distraction usually. I gave this 4 stars because there are better choices if you're just going to own one (or two). But if you might enjoy re-living a magical night in Paris, where The Jazz Messengers thrilled the crowd, this French CD will do the trick. (Note: Cover art and label are not as shown in illustration).

The first time I listened to this album, it was at a friend's and I have tried to find it for 2 years now. I think that "whisper not" is brobably the best version of the tune. If you appreciate Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, you cannot but love this record.

In 1959, I owned a another live recording of this band which was titled something like "Au Club St. German, Paris."
It got worn out through constant playing and I never replaced it. When I purchased the 1958 Paris Olympia concert recording, I was filled with excitement and anticipation. Listening to that CD was like going back in time.
There isn't a disappointing moment on the whole album. I recommend it without the slightest reservation.

All seven tunes are interesting, with the well-know "Moanin'" as the big draw, but the incredibly beautiful "I Remember Clifford" as a second highlight. Art Blakey, drummer and leader, was famous for recruiting talent time and again for relatively short stints in his Jazz Messengers. This group includes Lee Morgan on trumpet, Benny Golson on tenor sax, Bobbie Timmons on piano, and Jymie Merritt on double bass. Each has wonderful moments on this disc. Golson is also credited with writing five of the songs.Timmons gets credit for the unforgettable "Moanin'" and the group also does "Justice" by T. Monk (whoever that is!) If you've read this far, you are interested in jazz and also in Art Blakey. So just buy it. You won't go wrong.