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Tony Allen: A Tribute to Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers
ByThe EP kicks off with what is arguably the Messengers' "greatest hit." Pianist Bobby Timmons' "Moanin'" made such an impression that the album it first appeared onArt Blakey And The Jazz Messengers (Blue Note, 1959)is often referred to as Moanin' (the cover image of this album is also a homage to it). Allen has said that these sessions were jazz, but "jazz my way." The arrangements make this and the other hard bop tunes work with a more Afrobeat-style groove by fitting them into a vamp (for the most part) and then simplifying and altering the rhythm of the melody to fit. So familiar tunes are easily identifiable, but they are different from the usual jazz treatment. "Moanin'" begins with an infectious groove for the head, then slips into a more conventional swing feel for the bridge (just when you may be wondering how that part of the tune will work).
The next track has almost as strong an association with the band. Dizzy Gillespie wrote "A Night in Tunisia," but Blakey really made it his own. Two early Messengers albums used it as the title tune: one for RCA Victor's Vik label (1957) with trumpeter Bill Hardman and saxophonists Jackie McLean and Johnny Griffin; the other for Blue Note (1960) with trumpeter Lee Morgan and saxophonist Wayne Shorter. This arrangement skips the Interlude, no doubt in service of the groove. Hardman's "Politely" is a more obscure choice. The piece was actually first recorded on saxophonist Lou Donaldson's Sunny Side Up (Blue Note, 1960) before appearing on Art Blakey' The Big Beat (Blue Note, 1960) after Hardman had left the band. "The Drum Thunder Suite" closes the set, another selection from the same album as "Moanin'"and a great showcase for the leader's drumming. Allen's solo has his stylistic thumbprint, and no stock jazz drumming licks.
Allen's fellow rhythm section members deserve special mention. Bassist Mathias Allamane and pianist Jean-Philippe Dary consistently lock in with the drummer to make these infectious jazz/Afrobeat grooves happen. It's a fascinating project, easily recommended to fans of either Art Blakey or Afrobeat music.
Track Listing
Moanin'; Night In Tunisia; Politely; The Drum Thunder Suite.
Personnel
Tony Allen
drumsTony Allen: drums; Mathias Allamane: bass; Jean-Philippe Dary: piano; Nicolas Giraud: trumpet; Daniel Zimmermann: trombone; Yann Jankielewicz: tenor saxophone; Rémi Sciuto: baritone saxophone, alto saxophone, sopranino saxophone; Jean-Jacques Elangué: tenor saxophone.
Album information
Title: A Tribute to Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: Blue Note Records