In the case of Art Blakey, the name "jazz legend" is
wholly appropriate. Born in 1919, Blakey served his musical apprenticeship in
the bands of Billy Eckstine and Dizzy Gillespie where his reputation as a
drummer grew. The Jazz Messengers were formed in 1955 and were pivotal, until
Art's death in 1990, in nurturing the hard edged Be-bop sound and the jazz
greats of the future including Lee Morgan, Benny Golsen, Kenny Dorham, Hank
Mobley, Donald Byrd, Johnny Griffin, Wayne Shorter, Wynton Marsalis and Branford
Marsalis, to name just a few.
ART BLAKEY with Wynton Marsalis, trumpet; Branford
Marsalis, alto sax; Billy Pierce, tenor sax; Donald Brown, piano &
Charles Fambrough, bass.
JOHNNY GRIFFIN with Ronnie Matthews, piano; Ray Drummond,
bass; Kenny Washington, drums.
