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Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers · The Jazz Messengers were a jazz combo that existed for more than thirty-five years, from the early 1950s until the death of the drummer Art Blakey in 1990. Blakey led the group from the start, and the names Art Blakey and Jazz Messengers became synonymous. In 1947 he had already recorded under the name Art Blakey's Messengers for Blue Note. Around 1953 and 1954 he worked with Horace Silver, and in February 1954 the live album A Night at Birdland appeared, with Clifford Brown and Lou Donaldson, among others. Some see that as the beginning of the group.

Music and breakthrough

The group grew into a proving ground for young talent. New young players kept coming in, and a spell with the Messengers was regarded as a rite of passage. Many alumni became leaders in their own right, such as Lee Morgan, Benny Golson, Wayne Shorter, Freddie Hubbard, Bobby Timmons, Keith Jarrett and later Wynton and Branford Marsalis. In 1958 Blakey formed a new line-up with four musicians from Philadelphia: Lee Morgan, Benny Golson, Bobby Timmons and Jymie Merritt. That was perhaps the most fruitful period. The first record for Blue Note brought them their biggest hit, Moanin'.

Influence

The music is hard bop: warm, bluesy jazz with a solid rhythm, sturdy horn lines and plenty of room for solos. Blakey held his group to the principle that he kept the young players around, because it keeps the mind active. In this way he brought generations of jazz musicians to public attention.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Moanin' and notice the call and response between the piano and the horns at the start. Hear how the drums drive the group on while the soloists play in turn.

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

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See also

Categories: ArtistsHard bop