Jazz Articles about Art Blakey

Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers: Live at Slug's, NYC

by David Rickert
March 6, 2006

Many of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers left the group to build successful careers of their own. However, in between Lee Morgan and Wayne Shorter and the Marsalises was this curious 1968 band, made up largely of talented unknowns. This particular version of the band never made it into the studio, and this live recording from Slug's in New York City is only one of two recordings of this band know to exist.

Those who are well versed in ...

Elmo Hope: Trio and Quintet

by AAJ Italy Staff
February 5, 2006

Questo è uno dei pochi dischi di Elmo Hope in circolazione oggi in Italia. Un plauso alla Blue Note che l'aveva già pubblicato in CD (con identica copertina e stessi brani) 15 anni fa ed oggi lo riedita per il beneficio di chi se l'era perso.Dopo anni di totale oblio, lo sfortunato pianista e compositore bop ha avuto nel decennio scorso una certa rivalutazione critica ma dal pubblico jazz è ancora ampiamente ignorato.Un vero peccato, perché ...

Art Blakey: Drum Suite / The Big Beat / Caravan

by Russ Musto
October 16, 2005

Together these three reissues demonstrate that although each of Blakey's bands maintained a similar sound they also possessed their own individual identities.

Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers Drum Suite Columbia-Legacy

Drum Suite is a unique entry in the Blakey discography. Originally comprised of two sessions - one debuting Blakey's first percussion ensemble, the other with the unit featuring Bill Hardman, Jackie McLean, Sam Dockery and Spanky DeBrest - this reissue appends a third date including ...

Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers: Drum Suite

by Jim Santella
September 29, 2005

The all-star lineup on Drum Suite gives the album high marks before one note of music is played. It's a piece of history. Released in 1957, the album merged Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers with several other musical forces that proved fruitful, rhythmically and otherwise.

With this reissue come several bonus tracks that had appeared on Originally in 1981, one alternate take, and a full version of “The Sacrifice" that wasn't previously issued. The original liner notes from Drum ...

For Art's Sake

by Jeff Fitzgerald, Genius
April 11, 2005

Drummer and bandleader Art Blakey is driving through a small town when he notices a sparsely-attended graveside service being conducted in the hamlet's cemetery. He stops his car and gets out, perhaps paying his respects to some anonymous soul he would now never even meet. As the pastor's service winds down, a call is made for anyone to come forward with their own remarks. There is a long, awkward silence. Finally, Blakey steps forward. “If no one has anything to ...

Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers Return

by Russ Musto
December 14, 2004

Together, these three titles documenting four dates, each featuring a different configuration of the Jazz Messengers, clearly demonstrate Art Blakey's ability to instigate his young charges' creativity while maintaining an identifiable group sound that remained open to change.

Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers Free for All Blue Note 2004 (1964)

The earliest session, Free For All , features what was arguably the most creative edition of the Messengers on its next to last ...

Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers: 'S Make It

by David Rickert
September 15, 2004

The Blue Note Jazz Messengers recordings are so highly regarded that the ones the group did for other labels at around the same time tend to fall by the wayside. This shouldn't be the case; Blakey was such a determined taskmaster that he was able to get great performances out of his players on just about every occasion.

1964's 'S Make It features a transitional Messengers lineup, with Morgan returning to the fold and John Gilmore as the ...