Search - Jazz Icons: Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers Live in '58 on DVD


Jazz Icons: Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers Live in '58
Jazz Icons Art Blakey the Jazz Messengers Live in '58
Actor: Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers
Genres: Music Video & Concerts
NR     2006     0hr 55min

Jazz Icons: Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers features what many consider to be one of the fi nest line-ups in the history of jazzÂ?Bobby Timmons (Piano), Jymie Merritt (Bass), Benny Golson (Sax) and the legendary trumpet...  more »

     
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Movie Details

Actor: Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers
Genres: Music Video & Concerts
Sub-Genres: Pop, Blakey, Art, Jazz
Studio: Tdk DVD Video
Format: DVD - Color
DVD Release Date: 09/26/2006
Theatrical Release Date: 01/01/1958
Release Year: 2006
Run Time: 0hr 55min
Screens: Color
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaDVD Credits: 1
Total Copies: 0
Members Wishing: 3
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Languages: English

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Movie Reviews

Blakey in his prime, with a heavyweight lineup
Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 11/30/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This concert from November 30, 1958 is the only known film of the powerhouse quintet that recorded Blakey's landmark "Moanin'" album -- Blakey on drums, along with pianist Bobby Timmons, trumpeter Lee Morgan, saxophonist Benny Golson and bassist Jymie Merritt. Blakey is to some degree enigmatic (and poorly miked, alas...) but Timmons and Morgan emerge as remarkable up-and-coming players... Timmons shines on a warm version of his song, "Moanin'," which was the first big hit for Blakey's Jazz Messengers, while Morgan -- who was only twenty at the time! -- is simply stunning. Morgan's solo on "It's You, Or No One" is the kind of thing DVDs were made for -- I rewound it five times the first time I watched this disc, just trying to fathom how someone so young could have so much control over their instrument. Although the cinematography is a bit choppy throughout, once you settle into the film's rhythm, this disc yields quite a wealth of historical splendor. Blakey fans and hard bop aficianados will consider this one a must."
Best Blakey Video Available!!
Ravi H. Best | 01/03/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the best you will ever see by one of the greatest groups in jazz. Filmed shortly after the
recording of Moanin', the biggest selling Blue Note recording. This is the best video of Lee Morgan
that exitsts. The audio and video quality are flawless. It is a must have for any jazz lover or student of
the music. DO NOT PASS ON THIS!!! It is KILLIN'!!!"
A Piece of Jazz History
Peter Gottfried | Buffalo, NY | 10/17/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have never been moved enough by a DVD performance to actually post an opinion urging others to buy it until now!

I play jazz drums as a hobby and one of my heroes is Art Blakey. I pounced on this when I saw it and was not disappointed. The video as well as the sound is flawless. The performances are incredible with each one being a highlight. Watch for Art's cymbal stand "pyrotechniques" at the end of "Night in Tunisia." Seeing the performance of "Moaning" was like watching history. Art and his Messenger's were swingin' hard!

Next up is Buddy Rich, Thelonius, Ella and then the rest. I am buying them all and urge you to do the same."
Can't wait to see the other one's... What a TREASURE!
JoeyD | los gatos, ca | 08/14/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Amazing stuff! I had my reservations before purchasing this one, having never heard of these "Jazz Icons" DVD releases before. I was not expecting it to be all that great. Boy was I ever mistaken! After watching this, I can't wait to start purchasing the others in this series. Talk about hitting the mother lode! I can't believe how lucky I am to have discovered this treasure trove of classic jazz performances. The sound quality and camera work are excellent. And the live performance by this incredible quintet is awe-inspiring. I almost feel guilty that I only paid twenty bucks for this - an hour of great music plus a 20-page booklet featuring very well written and informative liner notes by Michael Cuscuna, a foreward by Takashi Taylor (Art's son) and some rare, excellent photographs to boot. Not a bad deal. I would have paid twice as much and been more than satisfied.

You are essentially buying an important piece of American history with this one. It is "the music that changed the world" according to Quincy Jones and while some may look upon that statement as a bit of hyperbole, I tend to agree with him. To see these five artists on film is something truly special for any jazz fan. To be able to watch the young, baby-faced Lee Morgan on trumpet, the austere, perfectionist Bobby Timmons on piano, the blissful and boisterous leader Art Blakey on drums, the reflective, reliable Jymmie Merrit on bass and the composed, temperate Benny Golson on sax... you can't tell me it gets much better than that! These cats play with such intentness, nothing too flashy, never flamboyant, it was all about business, all about playing proficiently and giving it your all.

Trust me folks, this one is a thing of beauty!"