A true classic, this CD found pianist Horace Silver and drummer Art Blakey co-leading the Jazz Messengers; Silver would leave a year later to form his own group. Also featuring trumpeter Kenny Dorham, Hank Mobley on tenor, and bassist Doug Watkins, this set is most notable for the original versions of Silver’s “The Preacher” and “Doodlin’,” funky standards that helped launch hard bop and both the Jazz Messengers and Silver’s quintet. Essential music. – Scott Yanow