Art Blakey

This new DVD presents Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers filmed at a studio in Tokyo, Japan, at the height of their fame. It offers one of the rare opportunities to see Lee Morgan on film (he was 23 at the time), as he was seldom captured by movie or TV cameras during his short life (he was regrettably killed in 1972, at the early age of 33). It is also interesting to see a young Wayne Shorter in his pre-Miles stage and talented pianist Bobby Timmons, whose celebrated composition "Moanin'" is performed here by the group. And, of course, the opportunity to see Blakey display all of his tricks on the drums is always electrifying. A Japanese big band joins the group for the last two tunes, making this DVD a real must have for all jazz fans, Efor Films offers another complete rare appearance by the Jazz Messengers with Lee Morgan, this time in London, four years later. The announcer is another famous musician, English trumpeter Humphrey Lyttleton.


"Tokyo 1961"
Personnel: Lee Morgan (tp), Wayne Shorter (ts), Bobby Timmons (p), Jymie Merritt (b) & Art Blakey (d). Nobuo Hara Sharps & Flats big band added on tracks #5 & 6.
Tracks: 1. The Summit, 2. Dat Dere, 3. A Night In Tunisia, 4. Yama, 5. Moanin', 6. Blues March.
Recorded: Jan 11, 1961, TBS-TV Studios, Tokyo, Japan.


"London 1965"
Personnel: Lee Morgan (tp), John Gilmore (ts), John Hicks (p), Victor Sproles (b) & Art Blakey (d).
Tracks: 7. On The Ginza, 8. Lament For Stacy, 9. The Egyptian, 10. I Can't Get Started, 11. Buhaina's Delight.
Recorded on March 7, 1965, Cine-Tele Sound Studio, London, England.

Total time: 86 mins.
B & W / MONO