Blakey's second quintet explores Latin rhythms on this intense 1957 session, laying the groundwork for the Afro-Cuban jazz movement.
- The album was recorded on March 6, 1957, at the Van Gelder Studio in Hackensack, New Jersey.
- It features the Jazz Messengers lineup of Bobby Timmons on piano, Jymie Merritt on bass, and Donald Byrd on trumpet, with guest percussionist Sabu Martinez.
- The album reached number 17 on Billboard's jazz album chart in 1957.
Art Blakey was a jazz drummer and bandleader from New York City, best known for his role in the development of hard bop. In 1957, he was a central figure in the contemporary jazz scene, leading the Jazz Messengers and releasing material prolifically on Blue Note Records.
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