New World

eleased in 2007 by the budget label Collectables, New World is one of only two Art Blakey albums dating from the year 1968. Previously released under various titles on the Everest, Trip, Passport, Just Jazz, Hot, and Empire Musicwerkes labels, this in-your-face club recording was taped live at Slugg's Saloon in New York City in August 1968, with Blakey presiding in the company of bassist Lawrence Evans and pianist Ronnie Mathews. As with each and every edition of the Jazz Messengers, the chemistry of the front line was and is a fascinating study in parallel contrasts. Mid-'50s Messenger alumnus Bill Hardman blew trumpet alongside trombonist Julian Priester (veteran leader of late-'50s hard bop sessions and future founder of the Marine Intrusion group) and tenor saxophonist Billy Harper, a passionate improviser who would soon collaborate wonderfully with ex-Messenger Lee Morgan, himself a brilliant musician destined to be murdered in cold blood right there at Slugg's in February 1972. New World successfully conveys the excitement of Blakey and company in person. Anyone who ever heard this master percussionist holding forth within the intimate confines of a nightclub can testify to the transformative and recuperative properties of his music. The only other recordings known to have been made by this particular combination of players was taped live in November 1968 and subsequently issued in tandem with music performed by an adventurous group operating under the leadership of drummer Sunny Murray. ~ arwulf arwulf|