Art Blakey, whose career spanned nearly 50 years of Black music history, exemplifies the timeless role of the drums in jazz. This Album of the Year LP, originally released in 1981, features the Jazz Messengers: trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, saxophonists Robert Watson and Bill Pierce, pianist James Williams, and bassist Charles Fambrough, alongside drummer and bandleader Art Blakey.

The album was recorded in Paris, and tracks include 'Cheryl' (written by Charlie Parker), 'Soulful Mister Timmons,' and 'Little Man,' among others. The accompanying liner notes were written by Ted Panken.

LISTEN: https://youtu. Be/yGldcFRBNhU

* 180 GRAM AUDIOPHILE VINYL

* FEATURING WYNTON MARSALIS, JAMES WILLIAMS, ROBERT WATSON, BILL PIERCE, CHARLES FAMBROUGH

* INCLUDES LINER-NOTES BY TED PANKEN

Track listing:

SIDE A

1. Cheryl

2. Ms. B. C.

3. In Case You Missed It

SIDE B

1. Little Man

2. Witch Hunt

3. Soulful Mister Timmons