CD Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers – Just Coolin'

Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers – Just Coolin' (Blue Note, 2020)

Unearthed from the Blue Note vaults after more than 60 years, Just Coolin' is a seminal 1959 studio session that captures Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers at the peak of their creative powers. Recorded on March 8, 1959, at Rudy Van Gelder’s legendary Hackensack studio, this long-shelved gem features the quintessential hard-bop lineup: Lee Morgan (trumpet), Hank Mobley (tenor sax), Bobby Timmons (piano), and Jymie Merritt (bass) alongside Blakey’s propulsive drumming.

This 2020 release, masterfully remastered by Kevin Gray, offers a rare studio perspective of a repertoire that was famously recorded live at Birdland just five weeks later. While the live recordings are known for their heat, these studio takes provide a crisp, detailed look at the band's interplay and soulful "Blue Note sound." The six-track set includes two previously unissued compositions, "Quick Trick" and "Jimerick," alongside definitive versions of mid-century jazz staples.

Key Highlights:

• Authentic Hard-Bop: A 39-minute masterclass in the genre the Messengers helped pioneer.
• Previously Unreleased Content: Featuring the rare compositions "Quick Trick" and "M+M."
• Audiophile Quality: Remastered in stereo from the original tapes for exceptional clarity and depth.
• Classic Tracks: Includes the soulful, minor-blues opener "Hipsippy Blues" and the lush ballad "Close Your Eyes."

Whether you are a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the Blue Note catalog, Just Coolin' is a prized addition that perfectly bridges the gap between bebop and soul-jazz.