Album Of The Day | Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers – A Night In Tunisia

‘A Night In Tunisia’ is one of Art Blakey’s most famous albums. The title tune is perennially associated with the drummer as a definitive ‘Jazz Messengers’ workout. Blakey’s solo is his signature dish so to speak. The version included here is also the one most lauded by Jazz dancers. The album was recorded over two sessions – 7th August 1960 and a week later on the 14th. The band were the same for both. Jymie Merritt is the bass player and Bobby Timmons the pianist. The horns were Lee Morgan and Wayne Shorter. Apart from the Dizzy Gillespie and Paparelli penned title cut, Lee Morgan contributed two tunes and there is one each from Timmons and Shorter. Shorter wrote ‘Sincerely Diana’, dedicated to Blakey’s wife. It is a haunting and engaging piece with hidden intricacies. The catchy ‘So Tired’ is from Timmons and its piano phrasing is so memorable, whilst Shorter belts out the lovely melody, ably supported by Morgan who follows him. ‘So Tired’ might be archetypal Jazz Messengers, but it is high quality nonetheless. ‘Yama’ refers to the shortened version of Lee Morgan’s Japanese first wife. It is quite stunning in its understated beauty. Morgan for once not blowing hell for leather on a Blakey date. Morgan’s ‘Kozo’s Waltz’ is a cute waltz that combines tasteful solos with enough space in the rhythm section to give the piece an airy feel. The ensemble playing throughout is outstanding and Morgan, Shorter and Timmons jump from one great solo to another.