by Scott Yanow
The third version of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers debuted with this stunning album. Tenor saxophonist Benny Golson helped give the quintet its own personality with his compositions and arrangements (contributing &Blues March,& &Along Came Betty,& &Are You Real,& and &The Drum Thunder Suite& to this set), 20-year-old trumpeter Lee Morgan quickly emerged as a powerful soloist and the funky pianist Bobby Timmons' &Moanin'& became the Messengers' first real hit. This classic album, a major influence on hard bop, is highly recommended.