“The Jazz Messengers” by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers from 1956
I grew up with this LP. Recently, I listened to this CD with the added tracks and realized how influential these tunes, the writing and the solos were in my teens and early twenties. In listening, I was transformed to being nineteen and sitting at a piano at IU showing Dick Washburn these fantastic chords and harmony. How exciting to be able to figure out a little of what was going on by the pros 62 years ago.
I recall thinking Donald Byrd and Hank Mobley couldn’t play a wrong note and the intricate harmony never seemed to drive them into a corner. And Horace Silver, always the consummate composer AND bandleader. Classic America Jazz!
“The Jazz Messengers” by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers from 1956
with:
Art Blakey
Hank Mobley
Donald Byrd
Doug Watkins
Give a listen to one of the finest recordings ever.
8 replies on ““The Jazz Messengers” 1956”
Might be worth saying that the album is “The Jazz Messengers” by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers from 1956.
Good point. Done!
What is the name of this album? You never mention the title and the cover image is too small to make out the title.
The Jazz Messengers” by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers from 1956.
Gone are the days when one could go to a coffee house like the Minor Key in Detroit and listen to artists like Blakey and so many of the fresh new faces like Freddie Hubbard, and others.
Such a great album. Dick Washburn! He did some wonderful transcriptions. What is he up to, and are his transcriptions published anywhere?
Dick Washburn died some ago. Dick loved to transcribe jazz solos and he was really good at it.
Wow, amazing album & great transcription.