Just like the DVD, I'll be short and sweet. Art Blakey truly is a Jazz legend. His Jazz Messengers band has always been a gateway to the world of hard bop for many aspiring musicians since 1955. The incarnation on the DVD features then up-and-comers Wynton Marsalis ( trumpet) and his brother Branford ( alto sax).Filmed at The legendary Village Vanguard for a TV show called "7th Ave South", this very brief set ( 20 minutes) manages to capture a superb performance by Wynton during the track My Ship where his Davis-like horn shows us a glimpse of his burgeoning talent.
The second part of the DVD features the very Sonny Rollins-like tenor sax of Jazz Messengers alum Johnny Griffin and his blistering quartet. Also from The Vanguard, Griffin and Co rip through a note-frenetic set which leaves the audience nearly as breathless as the performers. Although all members are electric, notable mention should be made of pianist Ronnie Griffin who excels on all tracks, especially on A Monk's Dream .
The Legends Of Jazz DVD series is an excellent introduction into the world of Jazz for the newbie.
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