Blue Night is the expanded edition of Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers recording released in 1985. Art Blakey led the Jazz Messengers for 35 years, mentoring countless musicians and encouraging their growth into influential bandleaders. By 1984-85, his band included five prodigious talents: Terence Blanchard (trumpet), Donald Harrison (alto/soprano sax), Jean Toussaint (tenor sax), Lonnie Plaxico (bass), and Mulgrew Miller (piano). Despite being 65, Blakey remained as vibrant as his young bandmates, inspiring and pushing them to develop their distinct musical voices. Blue Night showcases the Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers hard bop excellence, featuring originals by Blanchard, Harrison, Toussaint alongside the classic "Body An Soul".The 2LP expanded edition of Blue Night features alternate takes of "Two Of Kind", "Blue Minor" and "Mr. Combinated", includes liner notes by Scott Yanow and is available on vinyl for the first time.
