1 & 2 are a pair of separate but related live albums by Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers recorded at the Birdland jazz club on September 14, 1960 and released on Blue Note in July 1961 and May 1962 respectively.

The set consists mainly of standards, and three compositions from former Messenger Hank Mobley.

Morgan and Shorter offer one tune each, and both volumes are rounded off by the ubiquitous Miles Davis set closer "The Theme".

The AllMusic review by Lindsay Planer states, "The syncopated and infectiously rhythmic "Night Watch" is highlighted by Shorter, as he begins to fully grasp his improvisational skills that seem to materialize right before the keen-eared listener.

He is quickly developing into the undaunted instrumentalist who would revolutionize modern jazz with Miles Davis in the mid-'60s."