The Jazz Message: Celebrating Art Blakey
Artist Personnel:
Javon Jackson / Tenor Saxophone, Musical Director
Bobby Watson / Alto Saxophone
Curtis Fuller / Trombone
Eddie Henderson / Trumpet
George Cables / Piano
Buster Williams / Bass
Lewis Nash / Drums
For over a half-century, Art Blakey and his Jazz Messengers served as one of the preeminent ensembles in the art form of jazz. Six former Jazz Messengers, including musical directors Javon Jackson and Bobby Watson, elder statesmen Curtis Fuller, Eddie Henderson, George Cables, and Buster Williams along with master drummer Lewis Nash, in the role of Art Blakey, pay tribute to the immortal drummer and bandleader. The Jazz Message will perform and explore many classic compositions from the Blakey songbook. Music to include “Blues March,” “Moanin,” “Mosaic,” “Along Came Betty,” “One by One,” “This is for Albert,” “Arabia,” “Caravan,” “Up Jumped Spring” and “Whisper Not.” This unique cast of esteemed Blakey alumni will gather For Portland Only in a world premiere performance.
“We started the Messengers because somebody had to mind the store for jazz. No America–no jazz. It is the only culture that America has brought forth.” – Art Blakey
