Art Blakey And The Jazz Messengers: 1958
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Moanin’; Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers; 1958.
Art “Thunder” Blakey, a founding father of Be Bop, made his first recording as leader of Art Blakey’s Messengers in 1947. He later revived the name when he formed The Jazz Messengers in 1954 along with pianist Horace Silver.
The band saw several changes in the lineup - eventually becoming Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers in 1958. It became the archetype Be Bop band and nurtured some of the best jazzmen to come - earning the title of the greatest “on stand jazz school” of all time.
For someone who began his Jazz explorations with the free flowing, emotive and edgy Avant Garde of Coltrane; it was difficult for me to work backwards into the “relatively” structured Be Bop.
Each step however was deeply rewarding; eventually leading me into its very heart; to Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers; and their classic, Moanin’.
Moanin’, amongst the most recognised jazz tunes, is the beginning of an energetic - but a balanced and deeply musical journey.
Blakey’s drumming both swings and relentlessly drives momentum - ever the hallmark of his playing; as is his effort to always work the music to a shine; and never a trace of self indulgence. Like a true leader he switches from lead to support - giving room to his frontmen to do justice to the beautiful melodies. Lee Morgan is particularly exciting to me as he was fresh from playing on Coltrane’s Blue Train.
Be Bop brings improvisational energy to melody - lifting it in an inexplicable magical way; and this album is its every essence. I love this record. So will you.
Also: The Incredible Guitar of Wes Montogomery
Art Blakey and the Jazz messengers's albums are now available at The Revolver Club.
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