Art Blakey Big Band


Art Blakey Big Band is an album by drummer Art Blakey recorded in late 1957 and originally released on the Bethlehem label. It differs from typical Art Blakey releases as his regular quintet was expanded to form a big band for these arrangements.
In the mid-1990s, and again in the 2000s, the album was repackaged and released under John Coltrane's name, combining it with several songs from Winner's Circle, another album featuring Coltrane and recorded for the Bethlehem label in 1957. This edition features several alternate takes which were released here for the first time.

Reception

Allmusic awarded the album 2½ stars stating "Throughout his long career as a bandleader, drummer Art Blakey very rarely played with big bands. This Bethlehem date was a one-shot affair, an opportunity for his powerful drumming to be heard propelling a 15-piece orchestra through a set of mostly new material".

Track listing

  1. "Midriff" – 3:17
  2. "Ain't Life Grand" – 3:21
  3. "Tippin'" – 6:23
  4. "Pristine" – 5:35
  5. "El Toro Valiente" – 2:43
  6. "The Kiss of No Return" – 5:37
  7. "Late Date" – 3:33
  8. "The Outer World" – 4:06

Personnel