Name: Art Blakey's Jazz Messangers with Thelonious Monk
Brand: Art Blakey, Thelonious Monk

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

99156CD

Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

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Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2023-02-10

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Proper

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

8436559469937

Total Cap

Artist

Art Blakey

Thelonious Monk

Genre GB

Jazz

Label GB

American Jazz Classics

Thelonious Monk was an American jazz pianist and composer, born on October 10, 1917 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. He is widely recognized as one of the most influential pianists of the twentieth century and a key figure in the development of bebop. Monk's unique improvisational style and prolific compositions have left a lasting impact on the jazz genre. Known for his dissonant harmonies, angular melodic twists, and unconventional approach to the piano, he created music that was both innovative and captivating.

In addition to his musical talents, Monk had a distinct fashion sense with his signature suits, hats, and sunglasses. His stage presence was equally unconventional; often getting up from his piano to dance while his band members continued playing. This idiosyncratic behavior drew comparisons to ring-shout and Muslim Sufi whirling. Notably, Monk is one of only five jazz musicians to be featured on the cover of Time magazine.

Thelonious Monk passed away on February 17, 1982 at the age of 64 in Weehawken, New Jersey. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy as an artist who pushed boundaries and redefined jazz music through his groundbreaking compositions and performances.

Art Blakey (1919-1990) was an American jazz drummer, composer, and bandleader. He is best known as the founder and leader of The Jazz Messengers. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Blakey began his musical journey as a pianist but switched to drums after being ordered to do so at gunpoint by a nightclub owner. He learned from legendary drummer Chick Webb and later formed his own band, backing pianist Mary Lou Williams. Blakey played with notable musicians such as Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie before organizing the Seventeen Messengers and recording with the octet called the Jazz Messengers.

In 1948, Blakey visited Africa where he discovered polyrhythmic drumming and embraced Islam, taking on the name Abdullah Ibn Buhaina. Throughout the 1950s, he performed with renowned artists like Miles Davis, Clifford Brown, and Horace Silver. His collaboration with Silver led to the formation of The Jazz Messengers. This group became a platform for young talent under Blakey's leadership until his passing.

Recognized as a major figure in modern jazz, Art Blakey made significant contributions to the genre both as a musician and mentor over three decades. His impact on drums and his ability to nurture emerging talent cannot be overstated.

This release contains the complete original album Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers with Thelonious Monk (Atlantic sd-1278) plus an interesting live quartet version of "Bya-Ya" with Monk, Blakey and Griffin. Three extremely rare live versions of Monk tunes, recorded by the Jazz Messengers during a tv show just a month after the studio album was made, are also included here. Although this album marks Thelonious Monk's sole recording as a member of Art Blakey's celebrated Jazz Messengers, the pianist and drummer were very close friends who understood each other well on both a personal and musical level. This amazing 1957 session with the Messengers made during the highest point of Monk's career. He and Blakey shared a common artistic feeling. Contains the complete original album + 4 bonus tracks and a comprehensive 12- page booklet.

Tracks: Evidence / In Walked Bud / Blue Monk / I Mean You / Rhythm-A- Ning / Purple Shades / Bya-Ya/Epistrophy / I Mean You / Blue Monk / Evidence

Art Blakey's Jazz Messangers with Thelonious Monk

Music GB