A Night At Birdland

180g vinyl 2LP set in deluxe gatefold sleeve with iconic pictures by jazz photographer Francis Wolff. Includes both volumes of the classic album ‘A Night At Birdland’ by Art Blakey featuring Clifford Brown. This group represents the germ of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and marked the path for the future. Brown, pianist Horace Silver, and alto saxophonist Lou Donaldson were somewhat established, but skyrocketed to stardom after this band switched personnel.

This was perhaps Blakey’s most acclaimed combo, along with the latter-period bands featuring Lee Morgan and Wayne Shorter. Three of Silver’s greatest compositions can be heard here: “Split Kick”, “Quicksilver”, and “Mayreh” (a reharmonization of the standard “All God’s Children Got Rhythm”). Clifford’s wonderful ballad playing is showcased on “Once in a While”. This music was first released in 1954 on three 10” LPs, and then remarketed in 1956 on two 12” LPs, whose configuration is followed here. “This recording launches an initial breakthrough for Blakey and modern jazz in general and defines the way jazz music could be heard for decades thereafter. Everybody must own copies of all volumes of A Night at Birdland.” **** Michael G. Nastos, All Music

Tracklist

Announcement by Pee Wee Marquette / Split Kick / Once In A While / Quicksilver / A Night In Tunisia / Mayreh into Lullaby Of Birdland / Wee Dot / If I Had You / Quicksilver [alternate Master] / Now’s The Time / Confirmation into Lullaby Of Birdland