Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - Reflections In Blue (1978) [vinyl>flac]

Reposted from old crypt.

I've tended to overlook Blakey's post 60s recordings, easy to do given the astonising body of work previously recorded for Blue Note. In comparison, his 70s recordings are few and far between, this was a
period when Jazz seemed to be in decline. The Penguin Guide to Jazz describes this '77 band as 'workmanlike' rather than 'inspired', fair enough but workmanlike Blakey is better than most. I'm just grateful that my recent discovery of Schnitter's Muse recordings has led me back to these Timeless Blakeys.

Dusty Groove:
“Key proof that Art Blakey was still going strong in the late 70s – continuing his 60s legacy of working with the best young players he could find, in a setting that was bristling with sweet soul jazz energy! This version of The Jazz Messengers includes some tremendous players – including a young Bobby Watson on alto, the great David Schnitter on tenor, James Williams on piano, and Valery Ponomarev on trumpet – all grooving with Art in a style that steps nicely from the soulful Prestige Records years, when Blakey was leading the group with Woody Shaw and Carter Jefferson. Tracks are nearly all originals – loping and grooving with a soulful finish that's really wonderful, showing off equal parts of writing from nearly all corners of the group. The album's awash in soulful joy and love, and titles include "Reflections In Blue", "ETA", "Mishima", "Say Dr J", and "Stretching".”

01. Reflections In Blue
02. E. T. A.
03. Say Dr. "J"
04. Mishima
05. Ballad Medley: My Foolish Heart, My One and Only Love, Chelsea Bridge, In a Sentimental Mood
06. Stretching

Valen Ponomarev (t); Robert Watson (as); David Schnitter (ts); Dennis Irwin (b); James Williams (p); Art Blakey (d)
Fendel Sound Studio, Loenen, Holland, December 4, 1978