Even Blakey Tried Different Things

Since we're hot about the rare and out of print around here, this 1966 Art Blakey release is a perfect fit. It's definitely not in print right now (there's one copy on Amazon for more than $50) and one can safely guess that Wynton Marsalis and the jazz-as-high-art machine are going to let this one stay safely out of print.

On Hold On, I'm Coming Blakey uses a huge band (more than likely the producer, Luchi De Jesus made that call) that features Grant Green, Chuck Mangione, Gary Bartz, Malcom Bass (an organist recorded once: here), and so many others all performing mid-60s pop songs arranged by Melba Liston and Tom McIntosh.

At first, I winced when I heard the buoyant trombone melody open up "Day Dream" (just think: "What a day for a day dream, la-da-da la-da-da-da-da), but it became quickly apparent that these fine musicians were going to clear the hurdle of rather cheesy compositions ("Secret Agent Man," "Monday, Monday"). In fact, these guys kill it on this album and turn what could have been a classic producer's $$$ dream disaster into a fun yet rather silly listening experience. As a bonus there's a final track pasted on the end of the album from a '65 session with Lee Morgan, John Hicks, etc. Also, great.

The link as well as the full lineup and tracks are in the comment. Leave one behind yourself if you'll be downloading please!