16062014 - Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers "Free for All"

In case you were wondering (you weren't), this has got nothing to do with the Ted Nugent album "Free for All". But that very title is the reason I chose this particular Art Blakey album as my first when today I finally found out that it was time to check him out. The four compositions that make out this album have a lot going on, and the master drummer's band includes Wayne Shorter on the tenor sax and Freddie Hubbard on the trumpet, both of whom get to really shine here! As does the rest of the band, and the last tune, "Pensativa", is an excellent showcase for pianist Cedar Walton. Damn, these cats can wail! Dig?