Theory of Art

Theory of Art is a 1957 jazz album released by Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers for Bluebird/RCA records.

The album is notable in its inclusion of alto saxophonist Jackie McLean, who had recently quit the Jazz Messengers, on a rare date with his replacement, tenor saxophonist Johnnie Griffin.

The CD re-issue features two additional tracks from a separate date led by Blakey. The band is a rare nonet that includes future Jazz Messenger Lee Morgan, among others.

Track listing

The track listing for the CD re-issue is:

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

Personnel

• Art Blakey — drums
• Johnnie Griffin — tenor saxophone
• Jackie McLean — alto saxophone
• Bill Hardman — trumpet, piano
• Spanky DeBrest — bass
• Sam Dockery — piano
• Lee Morgan — trumpet
• Melba Liston — trombone
• Cecil Payne — baritone saxophone
• Sahib Shihab — alto saxophone