Jazz Icons: Art Blakey Live in '65
Jazz Icons: Art Blakey Live in '65

Movie spotlight

Jazz Icons: Art Blakey Live in '65

2009
Movie
60 min
English

Jazz Icons: Art Blakey boasts an exceptional one-hour concert by Art Blakey from Paris in 1965. This performance showcases one of the few undocumented Blakey bands, the New Jazzmen, featuring the incomparable Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, as well as Jaki Byard on piano, Reggie Workman on bass, Nathan Davis on sax and, of course, Art Blakey on drums—truly a powerhouse quintet! Freddie Hubbard’s incendiary playing on “Blue Moon” and the blistering 24-minute version of his own “Crisis,” serves as a cogent reminder that he was one of the most innovative trumpeters in jazz history. Setlist: The Hub / Blue Moon / Crisis / NY Theme

Insights

IMDb7.8/10
Director: Art BlakeyGenres: Documentary, Music, Jazz

Plot Summary

This documentary captures the legendary Art Blakey and his Jazz Messengers in a powerful live performance from 1965. The film showcases Blakey's electrifying drumming and leadership, alongside virtuosic solos from his iconic band members. It offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the creative energy and improvisational brilliance of one of jazz's most influential ensembles during their peak.

Critical Reception

While the specific release year of this documentary is 2009, the performance itself is from 1965 and is highly regarded as a significant historical jazz recording. Critics praise the raw energy and exceptional musicianship captured on film, highlighting it as an essential piece for jazz enthusiasts.

What Reviewers Say

  • A vital document of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers at their explosive best.

  • Features outstanding performances from a legendary lineup of jazz musicians.

  • Captures the raw energy and improvisational prowess of live jazz.

Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for this documentary is not readily available, but historical context suggests appreciation for the musical content.

Awards & Accolades

None notable for the documentary itself, but the performance represents a significant moment in jazz history.

Fun Fact

The 1965 lineup of the Jazz Messengers featured future jazz giants like Lee Morgan and Wayne Shorter, many of whom would go on to significant solo careers.

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