I first borrowed this album from a library in high school, and I've been listening to it ever since. I've listened to it so much that the solos have worn fond grooves into my brain. This incarnation of the Messengers features Lee Morgan, Benny Golson, Bobby Timmons, and Jymie Merritt. It's the same line-up that recorded the seminal album Moanin', which some of the same tunes. Having heard that album a few years later, I think I prefer this one.
On Paris 1958, the playing is a bit more hard-charging and inventive. They stretch out quite a bit, taking a generous 14 minutes on "Moanin'", 11 on "Blues March." The airy, nightclub production helps the mood, you can hear much the of room talking, shouting, cheering, laughing at turns that take them by surprise. The band is especially keyed-in, they keep it loose, almost sloppy, but if you listen closely you'll hear the deft interplay between them - Morgan with his funky, talky trumpet solos responding to Timmons behind him on piano stepping carefully around his lines, Blakey guiding the whole band from beneath with his powerful rhythm, having them charge ahead, cool off, or keep it slinky.
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