The Bebop Shop : A Swingin' Affair: Blue Notes & Hard Bop Classics : Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers
During 35 years Art Blakey led his Jazz Messengers, an ensemble that ranked among the most rewarding in jazz. The Jazz Messengers served as a springboard for talented young musicians who were prepared to push themselves beyond the limit, or burn-out in the process. As a leader, Art Blakey always insisted on complete musicianship and the understanding that without risk jazz is dead. Blakey had no time for timidity or playing it safe, his drumming encouraged daring and brilliance. He consistently stood by his musical principles. In doing so the Jazz Messengers have shaped the style of most small group blowing over four decades. Blakeys role as a teacher, finder and developer of young talent is unsurpassed in jazz. This 44 track 4CD set presents four early Jazz Messengers line-ups in live settings at Birdland and Cafe Bohemia and also in Columbia studios. (Proper Records) Price: £16.99
180g vinyl pressing. Price: £26.99
Blakey had recorded with Monk on various occasions, but this was the first time Monk sat in with the Jazz Messengers. The result is a true meeting of the minds, a beautiful union of Monk's melodies with Blakey's unshakable sense of swing, and Thelonious Monk's only appearance on Atlantic. This 65thanniversary deluxe edition includes an extra disc of previously unreleased outtakes, celebrating the most sensational jazz collaboration of the 1950s.
A Deluxe Edition fully Remastered with a whole extra Disc of Outtakes all but one previously unreleased, with liner notes by Grammy-winner writer Ashley Kahn, photos and Atlantic memorabilia. (Warner Music) Price: £19.99
Just as Miles had a constant stream of seasoned players in his bands and provided a training ground for young and upcoming musicians, so did Art Blakey with his Jazz Messengers. The list of greats and future greats is certainly impressive from Donald Byrd to Wayne Shorter taking in John Coltrane, Hank Mobley, Horace Silver, Johnny Griffin and dozens more! Here we find the powerhouse drummer on fine form in a number of different settings. The Big Band was no stranger to Art having cut his teeth with Fletcher Henderson as far back as 1939 and as a member of Billy Eckstines Big Band, perhaps the greatest of the modern era, featuring Bird and Dizzy! "The Jazz Messengers" set from 1956 really swings and provides the template for future Messengers line ups and shows how a small combo can provide plenty of room for improvisation. "Jazz Messengers - Hard Drive" from 1957 finds Art joined by tenor Johnny Griffin and pianist Junior Mance who help Art produce his best set since the departure of original members Horace Silver and Hank Mobley. (AVID Entertainment) Price: £8.99
This Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition is all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal. (Blue Note Records) Price: £25.99
180g vinyl pressing. Price: £25.99
This Classic Vinyl Edition is all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal. (Blue Note Records) Price: £25.99
180g Vinyl Pressing, Price: £18.99
180g vinyl pressing. Price: £35.99
180g pressing.
This Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition is stereo, all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal. (Blue Note Records) Price: £25.99
180g vinyl pressing. Price: £23.99