Customer Reviews

Ken Burns JAZZ Collection: Art Blakey

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Yet another winner from the Ken Burns compilation series. Art Blakey's reputation as a master who constantly challenged himself and the young musicians whom he mentored is well-documented here. Songs like "Confirmation" and "Ms. B.C." smoke like fire on top of the burning rhythms he supplies. The disk also does a good job of capturing his more loose-limbed, relaxed side, on tracks like "Doodlin," and "Moanin'". Wayne Shorter, Horace Silver, Freddie Hubbard and even Wynton Marsalis appear here, all alumni of Blakey's Jazz Messengers, as does Thelonius Monk, on his own composition "Evidence." Like Miles Davis, Blakey had a knack for finding talent and developing them, so this disk makes for some very rewarding listening as his changing cast of characters push him to discover new ground, or relax and swing easy. A Tom Ryan

If you are new to Art Blakey, there couldn't be a better place to start. This is indubitably my favorite installment of the Ken Burns Jazz series, with Charlie Parker being a close runner up. On top of that, this disc presents a very eclectic view of Art Blakey, from his slower numbers to the raging "Night In Tunisia" which is Blakey's best version and has become my favorite piece of jazz music of all time.

Blakey was the greatest hard bop drummer of all time, and "A Night in Tunisia" proves it. One cannot believe that a single man is producing so much rhythm simultaneously. Blakey always chose the best pickings from the pool of musicians who were on the scene, and I think he rivals Miles in his band leadership. The tightness is sometimes frightening.

But see for yourself, because you wont believe it.

This album is a great introduction to the genius of Art Blakey. I knew very little about Art Blakey before I purchased this cd, and it sure has left me wanting to hear more. 9 great tracks covering the years 1954 to 1981 is certainly not enough, but understandably, not much more could be put onto a single cd. The tracks are all pretty long, ranging from 6 minutes to over 11 minutes. But what tracks they are! Plus, Blakey is joined by a veritable who's who of other jazz greats. The booklet contains a very informative essay on Blakey...wow, he was a husband and father at age 15, amazing! This album should belong in any jazz fans collection.

Given the many albums Art Blakey recorded over his long career,Ken Burns chose tracks from his best period-1954-64.During this decade,Art and the Messengers recorded at least 4 albums per year on the average.Such works included legendary albums such as Moanin',Free For All,A Night In Tunisia and Live At Birdland which are all represented here as is the lone cut from the later years,MS.B.C.which featured a young Wynton Marsalis.It is well known that the Messengers were a breeding ground for young talent.The list includes Clifford Brown,Lee Morgan,Bobby Timmons,Freddie Hubbard and the legendary Wayne Shorter,all of whom appear on this collection.Also noteworthy is the track "Evidence" that features Thelonious Monk in a rare sideman role.This is an ideal disc for those who want to discover this drumming legend as well as completists.The others I mentioned above are also well worth getting.

When I first purchased this album a couple months ago, I knew very little about Art Blakey, or jazz in general. However, this album has really catapulted me into this great genre of music. In general, the album gives a wide view of Blakey's various pieces. "Moanin'" and "A Night in Tunisia" instantly became my personal favorites. However, his later Messengers, featuring Wynton Marsalis, are given very little disc space. I strongly, strongly recommend this album to any jazz enthusiast.

I'll be honest and admit I struggled with this album at first. Jazz is an acquired taste and Art Blakey can be pretty `out there' even by Jazz standards. His drumming is frenetic and made my nerves feel frayed initially, but after a few listens I started to understand things a bit better.

I wouldn't say much Jazz is truly `accessible' which may be part of it's allure, we enjoy being made to work for our pleasure. But, `Moanin' is the most well known track on offer and the one I found the most listenable first time round. It is gentler and less frantic and whilst I have learned to love other tracks on offer here, this is still probably my favourite. You hardcore Jazz heads out there can call me a lightweight, I don't mind!

Some Jazz soothes you, some Jazz confuses you and some Jazz fires you up and what I like about this collection is there are all aspects on show here. That is rare enough and reason to give this a whirl, you may just pleasantly surprise yourself.

Feel free to check out my blog which can be found on my profile page.