Shorter and Morgan play with such a youthful exuberance, you truly get to hear two jazz
icons growing within each solo. Bobby Timmons’ blues-based piano style adds the perfect
relaxed and elegant contrast to the fire emanating from Shorter and Morgan’s horns and to
Blakey’s often bombastic drumming. Merritt is a great pocket bassist, he just locks into
Blakey’s grooves and acts as the anchor of the band. And the one and only Art Blakey; Blakey
could create a pocket and drive it into your subconscious forever and play the hardest, most
aggressive solos imaginable. That Blakey hi-hat/ride cymbal/snare combination changed the
way generations of drummers approached the instrument.
The Shorter originals really stand out as the album’s highlights; the dynamics and
sensitivity of “Sakeena’s Vision” (named for Blakey's daughter) make the piece a perfect
vehicle for each soloist to show off the wide range of their individual styles. Lee Morgan’s
solos in particular are so unique and full of energy, his tone is sharp and piercing and he
is totally fearless and sure of every move.
