Many critics consider "Free For All" to be the best album that Art Blakey recorded with his Jazz Messengers in the legendary sextet line-up. The band had been playing together in this formation since 1961, but had not been in the studio for Blue Note for over two years. The music on the album, which was recorded in February 1964 (originally titled "Free Fall"), is clearly influenced by the civil rights movement of the time and is bursting with energy. Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition: Stereo, mastered by Kevin Gray, pressed on 180g vinyl by Optimal, in a single sleeve