NEW LP
New sealed copy. 2014 Blue Note 75th Anniversary Series reissue.
Free for All is a landmark album by Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers, recorded in February 1964 and released by Blue Note Records in July 1965. Capturing the ensemble at full force, the record showcases a powerhouse lineup that had been together since 1961: Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, Wayne Shorter on tenor saxophone, Curtis Fuller on trombone, Cedar Walton on piano, Reggie Workman on bass, and Blakey himself on drums.
The album opens with Wayne Shorter’s explosive title track “Free for All,” a ferocious performance often cited as one of the most intense in the Jazz Messengers’ catalog. Shorter’s composition is a study in controlled chaos, driven by Blakey’s thundering performance, which famously pushed his drum kit to the brink—literally. A second take was attempted, but halted when Blakey broke part of his kit mid-recording.
Freddie Hubbard’s contribution “The Core” is both musically and politically potent. Dedicated to the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), the track channels Hubbard’s admiration for the organization’s role in the Civil Rights Movement, particularly its focus on youth and systemic change. Hubbard also arranged “Pensativa,” a Clare Fischer composition that had captivated him during a live performance. His rendition highlights the group’s ability to bring emotional nuance to a Latin-tinged ballad without losing their signature fire.
Originally, the album was to include three additional tracks—Shorter’s “Eva” and two vocal performances by Blakey’s cousin, Wellington Blakey—but none were deemed usable in the final sessions.
Free for All stands as one of the most intense and politically charged statements in the Jazz Messengers' storied discography. Its raw energy, expert musicianship, and social consciousness make it not only a highlight of 1960s hard bop, but also a vivid reflection of its time.
TRACKLIST:
A1 Free For All
A2 Hammer Head
B1 The Core
B2 Pensativa
