Art Blakey is one of the first to be discovered when it comes to delving deeper into the subject of jazz. The drummer and his Jazz Messengers created a definitive milestone of the genre with »Moanin’« in 1959 – but beyond that also shaped the sound for decades. With »Chippin In«, one of the last joint recordings from 1990 is now released, before Art Blakey passed away in the fall of the same year. At the latest when “Byrdflight” begins, it becomes clear: There was still a lot of energy in Blakey and his fellow musicians, who changed throughout the Jazz Messengers. As leader, the then 70-year-old gave the pieces the appropriate structure with his hard and upbeat playing. In »Aquarius Rising,« Blakey tapped in the rhythm at the beginning until trumpet, trombone and saxophone joined in. Along with songs by Wayne Shorter and Billy Strayhorn, »Chippin In« still seems so fresh today because Art Blakey nurtured and encouraged his fellow musicians to write music of their own. The title track, for example, is by trumpeter Brian Lynch, which pushes through its nine minutes with a relaxed groove. Deeply relaxed and laid back, it all seems so light and heartfelt every second. »Chippin In« may not be a milestone, but it’s still a recording of fantastic musicians who obviously just felt very comfortable during this session – even though Art Blakey is said to have been a strict teacher. Already last year, previously unknown studio recordings from the 1950s with “Just Coolin'” were released, which was a small sensation for many jazz listeners. With the reissue of »Chippin In« for the first time on vinyl, there is now another new discovery to be made. And those who already know the album already know what a great recording is waiting here.
Okay Temiz
Drummer of the Two Worlds
Caz Plak