Blakey's percussive virtuosity is what opens and closes this record, propelling the ensemble into an intricate exploration of this well-trodden standard. Freddie Hubbard and Wayne Shorter steal the show at times, but not on the album's title track and opener, which they work in synergy to showcase Art's insane ability.
One of my favorite recordings of all time is found next on "Sweet 'n' Sour". The A section is everything. It's the perfect display of the Jazz Messengers' finesse. A ... read more
Usually The Jazz Messengers are sort of like the rockers of jazz, like, idk, Led Zeppelin. But Led Zep have their Houses of the Holy, and the Messengers have their Caravan. Even the more standard-sounding songs on here seem unorthodox and almost psychedelic in the way they feel and play out, marked by some dizzying piano figures and a horn ensemble as atmospheric as ever when Wayne Shorter is around. Well, not as ever considering how wacky he can be, but already enough to stand out with style ... read more