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Years ago in San Francisco I was urged by a friend of mine to walk to a nearby jazz club where Art Blakey was playing. The hook was that you could watch from the sidewalk by looking through an open window. Being a card carrying tightwad, that was all I needed to hear. So, my first jazz show was Art Blakey. This was decades ago and I had no idea how legendary Blakey was. The one thing I remember vividly was Blakey's habit of playing with his mouth wide open, what I guess could be referred to as drum face. The music was great, though I have to admit it would be years before I bought a Art Blakey record. I had not yet crossed the jazz line. Now, looking back, I'm so glad I got to see him play.
Here's a 1958 concert from right after "Moanin'" was released. There's a couple random things down there too. The real goods are over at Rubber City Review.
Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers - Moanin' mp3 at Time Goes By
Art Blakey and his Jazz Messengers - Cubano Chant mp3 at Tumblr
Art Blakey and his Jazz Messengers - The Drum Thunder Suite mp3 at Tumblr
Ten With Art Blakey at Rubber City Review This is a great post.