Theory of Art (jazz album)

Theory of Art
Studio album by Art Blakey
Released	1987
Genre	Hard bop
Label	Bluebird/RCA
Producer	Bob Rolontz
Art Blakey chronology
Jazz Messengers Play Lerner and Loewe (1957)Jazz Messengers Play Lerner and Loewe1957 Theory of Art (1957) A Night in Tunisia (1957)A Night in Tunisia1957

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	link

Theory of Art is a 1987 reissue of A Night in Tunisia, a 1957 jazz album released by Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers for RCA's Vik label. It was released, with a newly designed booklet and CD tray inlay in 1997.

The album features alto saxophonist Jackie McLean, who had recently left the Jazz Messengers, on a rare date with his successor, tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin.

The CD re-issue features two additional tracks from a separate date led by Blakey. This group is a nonet which includes Lee Morgan, shortly to formally join the Jazz Messengers, among others.

Track listing

1. "A Night in Tunisia" (Dizzy Gillespie, Paparelli) – 12:50
2. "Off the Wall" (Johnny Griffin) – 7:11
3. "Couldn't It Be You?" (Art Blakey, Jackie McLean) – 8:06
4. "Theory of Art" (Bill Hardman) – 9:40
5. "Evans" (Out of the Blue) (Sonny Rollins) – 5:46
6. "A Night at Tony's" (Gigi Gryce) – 4:19
7. "Social Call" (Gryce, Hendricks) – 5:16

Personnel

• Art Blakey – drums
• Bill Hardman – trumpet tracks 1–7
• Lee Morgan – trumpet tracks 6–7
• Melba Liston – trombone tracks 6–7
• Jackie McLean – alto saxophone tracks 1–5
• Sahib Shihab – alto saxophone tracks 6–7
• Johnny Griffin – tenor saxophone tracks 1–7
• Cecil Payne – baritone saxophone tracks 6–7
• Sam Dockery – piano tracks 1–5
• Wynton Kelly – piano tracks 6–7
• Spanky DeBrest – bass tracks 1–7
• Gigi Gryce – arranger tracks 6–7