This is one of the many great bands that drummer Art Blakey led. In honor of his centenary: Blakey was born in Pittsburg Pennsylvania on October 11,1919 so tonight we pay tribute to his Birthday Anniversary, This particular edition lasted from 1961 through to mid 1964 with the same personnel and they achieved a greatness few other groups possessed. This album called "Free For All" was recorded near the end to this band's existence and remains one of it's most intense and valued recordings. It is a good representation of how the band could sound in person on a good night. The music was captured in the recording studio the the energy is palpable. Only four tunes grace this album: two by Wayne Shorter, one by Freddie Hubbard and one by Clare Fischer. The band's personnel is Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, Curtis Fuller on trombone, Wayne Shorter on tenor saxophone (he was also the band's musical director), Cedar Walton on piano, Reginald Workman on bass and of course Mr. Blakey on drums. The Jazz Messengers!

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