The origin of the Jazz Messengers goes back to 1954 or 1955, when the first recordings credited to the band appeared. The Jazz Messengers formed as a collective, nominally led by Horace Silver or Art Blakey. This superb 4 CD collection features eight of the Jazz Messengers'' finest records from this era, which feature, alongside maniman Art Blakey, the cream and must renowned players of the time.