In Tokyo 1961 the Complete Concerts

I ordered this title from ImportCD. I not only had a long wait, but they shipped the wrong CD by an entirely different artist ( ANDRE' WILLIAMS CRAZY ROCKIN' RHYTHMS ). When I called to notify them of the error, they emphatically stated: "We do not do exchanges, but would issue a refund upon return of the wrong item"...even though the CD remained intact within the unopened shrink wrapping. To add insult to injury, they supplied me with a downloaded Media Mail label in which to return the wrong CD, requiring another long wait to get my refund. As for the session on Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers In Tokyo 1961, I know it to be a WINNER, because I own the original two volume Lp vinyl recordings under the title: "A DAY WITH ART BLAKEY 1961" which I've had for years (excepting the bonus tracks offered on the new Complete CD set). I wanted this CD set not just to experience the newly recorded transfers, but also for the new bonus tracks, and to read the updated liner notes of this extraordinary group which featured the masterful playing of the late trumpet genius, Lee Morgan. I love the way Lee Morgan caps off the ending of "Nelly Bly" like telegraphic morse codes with incredible valve fingering manipulation! Round About Midnight, heard from Morgan's muted solo, is undoubtedly among the very best I have ever heard. Morgan's Yama drains me emotionally with each listening. The way he seems to be almost telling a personal story, evoking feelings of deep melancholy. This has to be my favorite Lee Morgan ballad...which to me, is sort of reminiscent of Blue In Green. I also have a 12 minute live version of this tune, and cannot play it enough. And the way Morgan, Wayne and Blakey introduce "It's Only A Paper Moon" as if to be a sort of sacred ritual, and Lee beginning his solo with spaced staccatto jabs, prior to taking off like a rocket. I did finally get this complete set from a reliable seller, and cannot recommend this Art Blakey concert highly enough! Between this session and the 1958 Art Blakey At The Club Saint Germain recordings, also featuring Morgan (with Benny Golson), I rate as my all time Blakey favorites.

I really enjoyed this album, and very glad that I bought it.The clarity of the CD is so clear and crisp, until you can hear every note played as if you were sitting in the concert.Of course Blakey is his usual best, but Lee Morgan seems to be at the height of his career. His playing is off the charts. Wayne Shorter seems to be coming into his own also, as his playing is very good. Bobby Timmons just makes the piano so live whether he is in the rhythm section or taking a solo. The same goes for Jimmie Merritt on the bass.Any true Jazz Lover needs to purchase this album, and I will assure them that they will enjoy it.

If you are into the 56'-62' Art and his Jazz Messengers you need to hear this fine 2 CD set. Each CD is about 76-78 min. long. Great booklet and a great interview with Art. Sound quality is great and the Japanese people really respond to the music. When Art introduces a song, it's clear that the audience knows the group's music.

music great, audio not so great

Great line up!,Lee,Wayne,bobby,jymie,I'm grooving right now and Lee and Wayne is on fire as usual but with Blakey at the drums you can't help not to!!

Great prices fast delivery

Great vinyl.

excellent t ape really enjoyed it.Good service will use again

DVDでは見てましたが、ようやくCDになりこれでコンプリートになりました。♯＆♭との２曲共演も貴重です。

買ってよかった！車でずっと聴いています。戦後間もなくの頃に東京でこのライブがあったかと思うとなんか感慨深い思いがしました。

が、はやり全員流して演奏してますね。皆さんも分かっているでしょうに、普段厳しいレビューを書く方たちでも昔の思い出を大事にしたいからはっきり言えないんだよね。これはやっつけ演奏でしょうね。ジャズになっていないかもしれません。リー・モーガンやボビー・ティモンズなんて完全に遊んでますね。即興演奏してるって言ったってこれは取り留めのない演奏ですよ。こういう演奏を当時のアメリカ本場でやっていたら完全にアウトでしょうね。ま、日本ジャズ界の歴史の記録ということでいいんじゃないっすかね。