Requisites

Dr. Jeckyle ~ Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers | By Eddie Carter

Art Blakey’s impact on the jazz world as a bandleader and drummer offered a creative and unique perspective that helped shape the artistic style of Hard-Bop and Post-Bop for more than three decades. It was this vision that enabled The Jazz Messengers to become one of the greatest ensembles worldwide.  Up next from the library is a recent acquisition titled Dr. Jeckyle (Paddle Wheel K28P 6462). Blakey and the band are performing the second of two performances that were recorded on the final two days of 1985 at Sweet Basil in Greenwich Village. Sharing the spotlight with the drummer is Terence Blanchard on trumpet, Tim Williams on trombone, Donald Harrison on alto sax, Jean Toussiant on tenor sax, Mulgrew Miller on piano, and Lonnie Plaxico on bass. My copy used in this report is the 1987 King Record Company Japanese Stereo album.

Fuller Love (also known as In Case You Missed It) by alto saxophonist Bobby Watson opens the album with an aggressive attack by Blakey preceding the speedy melody by the ensemble. Tim begins the solos with an exciting performance. Donald swings with a robust beat on the second statement. Jean takes the reins next for a rousing reading. Mulgrew charges into the last solo with an impeccably hip contribution before the ensemble takes the song out. Dr. Jeckyle comes next with the propulsive power of Blakey’s drums in full effect on the introduction leading to the melody. Blanchard sizzles on the lead solo, then Harrison gives an equally fierce statement. Williams heats things up on the following reading, then Toussiant contributes considerable energy on the fourth scintillating statement.  Miller wraps it up with a tidal wave of compelling emotion.

81 by Ron Carter begins Side Two cooking at an easy groove during the ensemble’s opening chorus. Donald kicks off the solos laying down a lively rhythm. Tim moves into the second statement with an easy swing, followed by Jean who gives an intriguing improvisation. Mulgrew strolls into an enjoyable performance on the next reading. Lonnie takes the final spot with an exquisite solo before the close. One By One by Wayne Shorter picks up the pace one final time with the septet at an optimum level on the melody. Harrison flies right out of the gate with a speedy lead statement. Williams steps up next for a heated interpretation, then Toussiant responds with radiant intensity. Blanchard drives into the next reading ferociously, and Miller delivers a closing chorus of incandescent fury ahead of the ensemble’s finale and audience’s ovation.

Dr. Jeckyle was produced by Shigeyuki Kawashima and Horst Liepolt. It was recorded by Kazunori Sugiyama and the album was mixed at King Studio, Japan by Hatsuro Takanami and mastered by Akira Makino. This is a digital recording with a superb soundstage possessing a bright treble, vibrant midrange, and deep bass that’s fun to listen to. Though released three years before Art’s passing in 1990, Dr. Jeckyle is an exhilarating, exciting live album by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers that still stands up very well over three decades later and belongs in every jazz fan’s library!

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