Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - Blue Moon Over Paris - Ortf Recordings 1963-1968 (2Xcd)

Two never-before-released complete sets by the unforgettable Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers are presented here. The first, recorded in 1963 at the iconic Olympia Theatre in Paris, features a stellar lineup: Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, Curtis Fuller on trombone, Wayne Shorter on tenor saxophone, Cedar Walton on piano, Reggie Workman on bass, and the leader himself on drums. Highlights include an impressive arrangement of Henry Mancini's Moon River and an extraordinary take on Duke Ellington's Caravan.The second set, taped in 1968 at the equally renowned Salle Pleyel, also in Paris, finds Blakey joined by Bill Hardman on trumpet, Julian Priester on trombone, Billy Harper on tenor saxophone, Ronnie Mathews on piano, and Lawrence Evans on bass. Among the many highlights are an extended performance of the rarely heard Blues for Eros and a dazzling version of Bobby Timmons' Moanin'.