Requisites

The Witch Doctor ~ Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers | By Eddie Carter

In this morning’s discussion, I’m excited to share a remarkable release from the library with you by Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers. Although it was recorded back in 1961, The Witch Doctor (Blue Note BST 84258) didn’t become available to the public until 1967. The Jazz Messengers were renowned for their evolving roster of exceptional musicians, and this particular album features one of the drummer’s most memorable ensembles. The group consists of Lee Morgan on trumpet, Wayne Shorter on tenor saxophone, Bobby Timmons on piano, and Jymie Merritt on bass. The copy of this album I own is the 2021 Worldwide Blue Note Tone Poet Series stereo audiophile reissue, using the original catalog number.

The title tune by Lee Morgan opens the album, and the ensemble’s visit to The Witch Doctor sets a friendly tone with its mid-tempo introduction and inviting melody. Bobby starts us off with a relaxing solo, then Wayne takes a few easy-flowing choruses. Lee then takes over to give the following interpretation before Bobby returns to add a few comments, continuing to swing joyfully with the front line into the ending theme and climax. Lee’s Afrique begins with the trio’s animal sounds before Shorter’s piercing horn leads into the quintet’s medium-paced melody. Shorter kicks off the first solo with confidence, then Morgan adds an intense, steadily burning energy. Timmons approaches the third statement effortlessly, and Blakey finishes with a strong punch before the melody’s reprise and fadeout.

Wayne Shorter’s Those Who Sit and Wait grabs your attention right away with Art’s lively introduction to the quintet’s spirited theme. Wayne launches into a rapid-fire opening statement, followed by Lee’s energetic reading. Bobby jumps in next, meeting the challenge with an excellent solo that paves the way for a heated exchange between Lee, Wayne, and Art, propelling the ensemble to an electrifying climax. Side Two commences with the rhythm section’s infectious introduction, smoothly segueing into the group’s melody of Bobby Timmons’ A Little Busy. Timmons gets right to work first. Shorter keeps the lively mood going next, followed by another solo from the pianist. Lee paves a road back to the closing chorus, which softly fades away.

Joelle by Wayne Shorter comes at you with the rhythm section’s introduction gradually increasing into the ensemble’s upbeat theme. Lee makes the initial entrance with a nimble opening solo. Wayne delivers a captivating stream of ideas in the following reading. Bobby anchors the tune with a driving swing, culminating in a return to the melody that slowly dissolves into nothingness. Lost and Found by Clifford Jordan opens at a fast gallop for the quintet’s theme. Timmons leads the charge with a high-spirited statement, then steps aside for Shorter, who romps through the following solo. Morgan pours intense emotion into the third performance next, then Art engages the front line in a quick, dynamic exchange before the ensemble races to the conclusion with a sudden, abrupt stop.

The original recording session of “The Witch Doctor” was produced by Alfred Lion, with Rudy Van Gelder serving as the recording engineer. For the reissue, Joe Harley oversaw production, and Kevin Gray handled mastering, working directly from the original master tapes at Cohearant Audio. The result is exceptional audio quality, delivering a rich soundstage that truly immerses the listener. For those who are already collectors of the Blue Note Tone Poet Series, you know firsthand the exceptional quality and attention to detail these reissues offer, everything from high-resolution gatefold images and outstanding cover design to the premium 180-gram Virgin Vinyl, with the music itself being the ultimate highlight. But if you haven’t experienced them yet and you love jazz, you’re in for an absolute treat!

In addition to its outstanding musical performances, “The Witch Doctor” by Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers is a fantastic album from beginning to end, perfectly embodying the essence of hard bop through vibrant compositions and dynamic group interplay. I highly recommend this Blue Note Tone Poet audiophile reissue as a great addition to your jazz library. I’m sure that whether you’re already a fan of Art Blakey or just starting to explore his extensive discography, this album is sure to become a favorite on your turntable!

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Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Joe Alterman was born November 16, 1988 in Atlanta, Georgia and graduated from New York University with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Jazz Piano Performance.

He has performed at iconic venues including the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Birdland, and Blue Note, sharing stages with jazz greats like Houston Person, Les McCann, and Ramsey Lewis. He also had the privilege of opening for Dick Gregory at the Kennedy Center.

He leads his trio or performs solo with a deep groove, bluesy touch, and an exuberance that’s hard to resist, his playing is both deeply rooted and refreshingly modern. He has recorded eight critically acclaimed albums to his name, including the 2023 release Joe Alterman Plays Les McCann: Big Mo & Little Joe, Alterman continues to evolve as a recording artist while honoring jazz’s deep traditions.

His creativity extends to his cultural leadership and writing. As the Executive Director of Neranenah, an Atlanta-based Concert & Culture series, he celebrates Jewish contributions to music and the arts. His writing has also garnered acclaim, he has penned liner notes for three Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra albums. Alterman was the subject of Nat Hentoff’s final piece on music and in 2025, he was featured on President Jimmy Carter’s Grammy-winning album, Last Sundays In Plains: A Centennial Celebration.

Pianist, composer, writer, and cultural curator Joe Alterman continues to record and swing with style all over the world.

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Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Alexei Zoubov was born on November 15, 1936 in Moscow, Russia into a family of scientists. Following the family tradition, he graduated from Moscow University with a master’s degree in physics and was offered a prestigious job that physicists would kill for. However, jazz seduced him in the early Fifties and tuned into Voice of America, BBC and other jazz programs.

In his sophomore University year he started playing clarinet, then switched to the saxophone and joined the early wave of jazz rebirth in the Soviet Union. At this time, Stalin was in power and playing jazz in the Soviet Union was considered not far from committing treason. Zouboc went on the road with the Oleg Lundstrem Big Band. He followed this with a seven year run with Vadim Ludvikovsky Radio and Television Big Band.

Alexei led his Crescendo Quartet, his duo with keyboardist Igor Saulski, Barometer Quintet as well as numerous jazz groups. He worked as a studio musician recording for Studio Melodya and wrote music for films. In 1984, Zoubov settled in Los Angeles, California where he continued to compose and play music.

Over the course of his on going fifty plus year career in music, he’s  shared the stage and recorded with Gary Burton, Chick Corea, Pete Cristlieb, Paul Gonsalves, Charlie Haden, Albert “Tootie” Heath, Dick Hyman, Keith Jarrett, Milcho Leviev and Russian musicians like Konstantin Bakholdin, Gennadiy Golshtein, German Lukyanov, Konstantin Nosov, Boris Rychkov and so many others.

Saxophonist Alexei Zoubov continues to perform and record.

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Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Clancy Hayes was born Clarence Leonard Hayes on November 14, 1908 in Caney, Kansas. As a child he learned the drums before switching to guitar and banjo.

Being part of a vaudeville troupe in the Midwest after 1923, Hayes  lived in San Francisco from 1927. He became more popular in the 1930s through radio and club performances. From 1938 to 1940 he played in a big band led by Lu Watters, after which he spent a decade with the Yerba Buena Jazz Band, playing rhythm banjo and, on occasion, drums.

Spending almost all of the 1950s singing with Bob Scobey’s band, in the 1960s he led his own bands, which also recorded for various labels. Hayes played with the Firehouse Five Plus Two, Turk Murphy, and a group that evolved into the World’s Greatest Jazz Band. As a vocalist he was noted for his straightforward singing of ballads and his flamboyant delivery of livelier songs.

Banjoist and vocalist Clancy Hayes, who recorded eleven albums as a leader and six with Bob Scobey, died in San Francisco, California on March 13, 1972.

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The Jazz Voyager

Leaving Michigan for Pennsylvania to a city known for its music and the birthplace of iconic jazz voices Billie Holiday, John Coltrane, Lee Morgan, Clifford Brown, and Benny Golson. The location is known as the City of Brotherly Love otherwise called Philadelphia. This week I will be checking out South, a jazz venue situated within the North Philly section of the city.

On stage for a three day engagement is a young Grammy nominated harpist who is revolutionizing the role of the harp in modern music. Brandee Younger is this artist and over the past fifteen years, she has worked relentlessly to stretch boundaries and limitations for harpists.

South is located at 600 N. Broad Street, 19130. For more information and to check seating availability, visit https://www.southjazzkitchen.com. Check available seatings for each day.

Tickets: $38.00 +$3.95 fee

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