The Art of Jazz: Live in Leverkusen is a live album by Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers at the Leverkusen Jazz Festival in Germany on October 9, 1989. To commemorate Blakey's 70th birthday (October 11), the concert featured many special guests—most of whom were former Messengers. Singer Michelle Hendricks sang a song – "Mr. Blakey"—composed for the occasion by founding Messenger Horace Silver.
Reception
The album was given three stars by Allmusic, and reviewer Scott Yanow says "...the CD concludes with a nearly-13 minute interview that Mike Hennessey conducted with Blakey in 1976 in which the drummer reminisces about the Jazz Messengers' early days. Well worth picking up."
Track listing "Two of a Kind" (Terence Blanchard) "Moanin'" (Bobby Timmons) "Along Came Betty" (Benny Golson) "Lester Left Town" (Wayne Shorter) "Mr. Blakey" (Horace Silver) Drum Duo (Drum duet with Art Blakey and Roy Haynes) "Blues March" (Benny Golson) Buhaina's Valediction Interview
Personnel
Jazz Messengers Art Blakey – drums Brian Lynch – trumpet Frank Lacy – trombone Javon Jackson – tenor saxophone Geoff Keezer – piano Essiet Okon Essiet – bass
Special Guests Freddie Hubbard, Terence Blanchard – trumpet Curtis Fuller – trombone Jackie McLean, Donald Harrison – alto saxophone Benny Golson, Wayne Shorter – tenor saxophone Walter Davis, Jr. – piano Buster Williams – bass Roy Haynes – drums Michelle Hendricks – vocals
References