“Master Drummer, Tony Allen, at his best!”

Written by | EP Review, Labels, News

Last Friday saw the release of another beauty in the jazz universe, Nigerian epic drummer now a Parisian resident, Tony Allen’s “A tribute to Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers” on Blue Note.

Highlighting this EP which acts as a preview for its release later this year, is a must: Allen, himself a genius of the drum-kit, giving birth to the famous Afrobeat, has been a self-confessed fan of Blakey and with just 4 tracks on the EP, it makes the listening even more exciting as we patiently wait for the full album.

Classic pieces like “Moaning” and “A Night in Tunisia” have been performed brilliantly by Allen & co, arranged and punctuated in a smooth way, but it is “Politely” that strikes a chord, a night-time dreaming made real by a great tempo. Then there is “Drum Thunder Suite” of course, larger than life, a demonstration of Allen’s great creativity, he is mighty and impressive with a slick production by Vincent Taurelle.

Now, I need to admit I am not good at Maths, but… Tony Allen + Blue Note + Art Blakey = 10!

Tony Allen’s first album release for Blue Note in the Autumn will be reviewed by this writer soon.

Text: Erminia Yardley

Images: Tony Allen

YT Video: tonartification

Last modified: July 15, 2018