The Art Blakey Centennial Celebration includes an all-star cooperative aggregate comprised of enormously talented musicians - including a quintet of former Jazz Messengers (dates "of service" noted parenthetically): Alto saxophonist Bobby Watson (1977-1981), tenor saxophonist Bill Pierce (1980-1982), trumpeter Brian Lynch (1988-1990), Robin Eubanks (1987-1988) and bassist Essiet Okon Essiet (1989-1990). Joining them are pianist Zaccai Curtis and drummer Carl Allen, the latter with the great responsibility--and the unquestionable talent--to "channel" Blakey