Even in 1959, when this album was recorded, Dizzy Gillespie's "A Night In Tunisia" was the subject of endless recorded versions, most of them dull. With one of the greatest editions of the Jazz Messengers, Blakey found new inspiration in the tune and recorded this explosive, masterful version.

Members Lee Morgan, Wayne Shorter and Bobby Timmons contribute originals to the album and Timmons's "So Tired" might have been a soul jazz hit were it not for the overwhelming power of the title tracks. Two bonus tracks have been added to the original album.