The teenage trumpeter
Wynton Marsalis
(then most heavily influenced by
Freddie Hubbard
) made his recording debut as a member of
Art Blakey
's Jazz Messengers on this fine album and, as his feature on
"My Funny Valentine"
shows, he was more than ready for the spotlight. This version of the
Messengers
was particularly strong with such future bandleaders as altoist
Bobby Watson
, tenor saxophonist
Billy Pierce
, pianist
James Williams
and bassist
Charles Fambrough
(along with the leader/drummer) rompin' on such pieces as "Moanin'," "Soulful Mr. Timmons" and "Free for All." ~ Scott Yanow