Art Blakey And The Jazz Messengers - Oh-By The Way

Oh‑By The Way captures a new era for Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers, recorded in 1982 and showcasing a fresh generation of rising stars. This lineup features Terence Blanchard, Donald Harrison and Johnny O’Neal, who stepped in after the celebrated Marsalis-Williams period and continued Blakey’s unmatched legacy of discovering and shaping young jazz talent. The album opens with Blanchard’s vibrant title track “Oh‑By The Way”, a composition that quickly became a modern Messenger favourite thanks to its strong melodic drive and infectious energy. Following the success of Album Of The Year, this recording presents a confident new direction for the band. The program includes a spirited performance of Wayne Shorter’s classic “One by One”, alongside a distinctive and expressive reading of “My Funny Valentine”, adding depth and contrast to the set. Today, Oh‑By The Way stands as a testament to the enduring vitality and evolution of The Jazz Messengers tradition, a compelling document of Blakey’s ever‑renewing creative force. Oh-by The Way is available as a limited edition on blue coloured vinyl, includes liner-notes by Dutch Timeless label owners Wim and Ria Wigt.