Product details
- Label Ermitage
- Artist Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers
- Format 1LP
- Country Import
- Released Date 2022
- Genre Jazz
- Sealed Yes
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Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers's Moanin' represents everything I love about discovering rare vinyl treasures – this is one of those records that stopped me in my tracks.
I remember finding this gem in a dusty basement shop in New York – the owner didn't even know what he had.
Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers were the ultimate finishing school for young jazz musicians. This recording captures the incredible energy that Blakey brought to every session – he wasn't just keeping time, he was pushing, prodding, and inspiring everyone in the band to dig deeper. Many future jazz stars got their start in this group, and you can hear that mentorship and musical education happening in real time.
Musical Analysis:
What strikes me most about this recording is the intricate interplay between the musicians. Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers leads with that distinctive voice that made them a legend, but it's the conversation between all the players that creates the real magic. The harmonic progressions showcase the evolution of jazz during this era, moving beyond traditional structures into more adventurous territory. You can hear the influence of bebop, hard bop, and the emerging modal approaches that would define the future of jazz. The rhythm section provides that perfect foundation – tight but never restrictive, allowing for those spontaneous moments that make jazz so compelling.
From a Collector's Perspective:
After decades of hunting down rare pressings and audiophile releases, I can tell you that records like this don't come around often. This isn't just a record – it's a piece of musical history that belongs in any serious collection. The market for recordings like this has only grown stronger over the years, as more collectors recognize the artistic and historical significance of these sessions.
What makes this pressing special:
Ermitage clear vinyl reissue, brown sticker on shrinkwrap "Limited Edition Clear Vinyl".
Very similar to the 2020 Ermitage reissue [r=18290593] which is not on clear vinyl.
[Back cover]
℗ 1958
© 2020 Ermitage
[Record labels]
℗ 1958 © 2020 Ermitage
Made in the E.U.
[Runouts]
All runouts are etched
Track Listing:
A1. Moanin'
A2. Are You Real
A3. Along Came Betty
. The Drum Thunder (Miniature) Suite
B2. Blues March
B3. Come Rain Or Come Shine
Sound Quality & Pressing Details:
The sonic characteristics of this pressing are exceptional. The dynamic range captures every nuance of the original performance – from the subtle brush work on the drums to the full bloom of the horns in the climactic passages. The stereo imaging (or mono presentation, depending on the era) places you right in the studio with the musicians. You can hear the room tone, the natural reverb, and those little details that make you feel like you're experiencing a live performance. The bass response is tight and defined, the midrange warm and present, and the high frequencies crisp without any harshness. Pressing quality is crucial for a record like this, and this release maintains the highest standards. The vinyl is quiet between tracks, tracking is excellent throughout, and the overall presentation does justice to the source material. Modern pressing technology has allowed engineers to revisit the original master tapes with fresh ears and cutting-edge equipment, resulting in a sound quality that often surpasses earlier reissues.
Trust me on this one – I've been collecting for decades, and records like this are why vinyl will never die.
– Miles Waxey
Artist: Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers
Format: 1LP
Genre: Jazz
Label: Ermitage
Catalog Number: VNL 12517 LP
Release Year: 2022
Country: Import
Condition: Sealed (New)