Ugetsu

Birdland was home base for Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. The drummer launched the live recording trend in the Manhattan club in 1954, and retimed frequently to lead and often document various editions of his star-studded band. This was Blakey's final Birdland recording, and as usual it provided a showcase for both the playing and writing skills of the Messengers. Wayne Shorter takes top honors with three compositions and a stirring ballad feature, Curtis Fuller contributes a pair of energized tunes, and Cedar Walton is responsible for the classic title opus in a collection that finds the original LP program enhanced by three bonus tracks.