Tom-
Since the Northern Soul scene was heavily influenced by Black American Soul
music, and soul was an influencer of 60's Jazz, it's easy to imagine Roger
Eagle playing out Art Blakey of the Jazz Messengers. Art Blakey's hipness
has transcended generations and with the Jazz Messengers is deeply rooted
into the all-american art form, Jazz.
"Art Blakey and hard bop are in many ways synonymous. In the late 50's,
there was a movement in jazz that placed an emphasis on the blues and soul
music. When this new movement began, Art Blakey just happened to be
employing artists that shared his assertive style of playing, including the
tremendous Clifford Brown on trumpet and Lou Donaldson on alto sax. Others
followed suit and this style became known as hard bop. Not only were Art
Blakey and his Jazz Messengers one of the early hard bop groups but they
also advanced the music to new limits. While "Moanin'," is a good starting
point, may I also recommend later Art Blakey albums that included Lee Morgan
on trumpet and Wayne Shorter on tenor sax. Of these, my favorite is "A
Night in Tunisia." The title track itself is worth the price of the album.
PLAY IT LOUD!! Try and also find "The Freedom Rider," "The Witch Doctor"
and "Roots and Herbs."
Since we're on the topic, try and locate Lee Morgan albums. In my opinion,
there is no hard bop without Lee Morgan. NO!! His solo on the title track
of "Moanin'" and on "Blues March," are really anthems for hard bop. His
album "The Sidewinder," is his best known and most popular but try and also
check out "The Gigolo"."--------Germein Linares
-Jessica
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