Jazz Icons: Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers Live in '58 (2006)

Thank you for this box of dynamite

I have to admit that my expectations were low, when I
placed my order for this DVD. It's 1958, in B&W, and,
after all, these are jazz artists, hardly mainstream,
thus not getting the attention some popular artist would
get. When I hit play, and saw how good the video and
audio were, considering the vintage, I was overjoyed.
This performance of this group, is one of the greatest
I have had the privlege of viewing. To see this group
do Moanin' one month after recording it, well, wow!.
A 20 year old Lee Morgan was great, Benny Golson doing
his I Remeber Clifford, wow!. The whole crew, wow!.
My only regret is, that I didn't buy the boxed sets of
this series. It would have saved me time and money in
the long run. This is my fourth Jazz Icons, I have not
been disappointed. Of course, skepticism of vintage
concerts makes one cautious. July 6, 2008

Calling all [A]rt lovers!

I borrowed this DVD from my local library and was really impressed by what I saw. Art and his crew are at the top of their game. It's no exaggeration to say that these guys were some of the greatest performers of the 20th century. Skillful, classy, and with humor, this film really helps you appreciate those qualities in a way that only the combination of sight and sound can. It is a truly special document from the golden age of the original American art form brought to us courtesy of Europe. Jazz films of such exceptional quality (high grade film, multiple camera angles, close ups, etc) from this period are few and far between.

No art (or Art) lover should pass up the chance to see these guys in action.





April 14, 2008

My first real introduction to Jazz

I had heard jazz CDs from time to time but never really "got it". Until I watched this DVD that is. I picked it up on a whim from NYPL and I was blown away. Now, this is music that I could understand - lots of Blues. Especially the awesome "Moanin'". Thanks Art Blakey, wherever you are. March 25, 2008

Blakey's Best!

Wow, how do I begin to tell you how great this video is? It's like actually being there at this 1958 performance! Actually, it's better than being there because the close ups shots of the band members while performing are just amazing! And the performance is a dream come true! Lee Morgan, Benny Golson, Bobby Timmons, and Jymie Merrit are all in top form, not to mention Blakey, who's manic performance nearly collaspes a cymbal stand during the incredibly hot final solo! Morgan's beautiful playing on "I Remember Clifford" is one of the best performances by anyone of the ballad. In addition, Blakey's between song comments are quite entertaining as well. If you love jazz you have got to get this DVD! September 17, 2007

Can't wait to see the other one's... What a TREASURE!

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! August 14, 2007

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