Hard Bopping with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers

5 two hour sessions

Course Description

Open a window into the history of "hard bop" jazz by exploring the music of the

Jazz Messengers. Led by drummer Art Blakey, the rotating personnel of the

Messengers recorded 70 albums and performed around the world between 1955

and 1990 becoming one of the great institutions of jazz.

Understand what distinguishes hard bop from bebop and other jazz styles and

learn its significance in jazz history. Gain exposure to two dozen Messengers

alumni including legendary improvisers Clifford Brown, Lee Morgan, Benny

Golson, Freddie Hubbard, and Wayne Shorter.

Understand the Messenger's role in reviving mainstream jazz in the 1980s after

jazz suffered a downturn in popularity during the 1970s. Learn about the young

group members of that period like Wynton and Branford Marsalis, Benny Green,

and Terrence Blanchard who are now major jazz stars.

Participants will learn through instructor presentations, viewing videos of Jazz

Messenger concerts, and class discussions.

Wikipedia - Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers

Wikipedia - Jazz Messenger Discography

Syllabus

Pages