Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: Roots and Herbs, recorded by Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers in 1961, was finally released by Blue Note Records in 1970ialmost a decade later. Featuring compositions by Wayne Shorter, the album showcases Blakey's all-star lineup: Shorter on tenor sax, Lee Morgan on trumpet, Jymie Merritt on bass, with alternating pianists Bobby Timmons and Walter Davis Jr. Despite its hard bop energy, the album arrived at a time when fusion dominated jazz, leading to Roots and Herbs being somewhat overlooked. The album's vibrant performances and intricate solos highlight the Messengers' hard bop brilliance. Tracks like 'Ping Pong, 'Roots and Herbs', and 'Master Mind' capture the beauty of Blakey's dynamic leadership. Each musician delivers top-tier performances and Blakey's powerful swing provides the backbone throughout. Though delayed, Roots and Herbs is now being appreciated as one of Blakey's finest works, a testament to both the talent of the Messengers and the timelessness of hard bop. This reissue reaffirms the album's place as an essential piece of jazz history, now reaching a broader audience. This special edition comes on UHQ-CD.