Product Details

• Actors: Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers
• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Tdk DVD Video
• DVD Release Date: September 26, 2006
• Run Time: 55 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000H9HWQ4
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #43,695 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Jazz Icons: Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers features what many consider to be one of the fi nest line-ups in the history of jazz—Bobby Timmons (Piano), Jymie Merritt (Bass), Benny Golson (Sax) and the legendary trumpet player, Lee Morgan. Lost for nearly 50 years, this historic 55 minute concert, fi lmed in Belgium in 1958, one month to the day after they recorded their masterpiece Moanin,’ is the only known visual document of this infl uential band who were together for only six months.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Blakey in his prime, with a heavyweight lineup, November 30, 2006

By 

DJ Joe Sixpack (...in Middle America) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Jazz Icons: Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers Live in '58 (DVD)

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.

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Blakey Video Available!!, January 3, 2007

By 

Ravi H. Best - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jazz Icons: Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers Live in '58 (DVD)

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'!!!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can't wait to see the other one's... What a TREASURE!, August 14, 2007

By 

JoeyD (los gatos, ca) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Jazz Icons: Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers Live in '58 (DVD)

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!