One By One

The Jazz Messengers: Wayne Shorter (tenor sax), Freddie Hubbard (trumpet), Curtis Fuller (trombone), Cedar Walton (piano), Reggie Workman (bass) and Art Blakey (drums). From the album Ugetsu (1963).

This album was recorded live at Birdland, one of the most famous jazz clubs in North America. The original album had only six tracks, but more material was recorded that night that could have been included in it, but that was not done for lack of space. When it was released in CD format, three more themes were added.

The group was made up of some of the best musicians of that time and most of the songs was composed by saxophonist Wayne Shorter. The spectators are enthusiastic and receptive, the tempos and solos are energetic, and Blakey plays with a great impulse despite not performing any extensive solo.

After an introduction interpreted by the rhythm section, the theme begins with changes in strength and intensity. Shorter soon enters with soft and well-constructed phrases while the group plays a riff below to accompany him. Then Hubbard starts his quiet solo, but then he gets warmed up. Fuller follows him playing slowly, as if he were taking a sweet walk. Now it's Walton turn, whose melodic line is full of chord sections. To conclude, the group re-exposes the theme.