The Jazz Messengers

The Jazz Messengers
  • Type: Band/Group
  • Country: United States
  • Born: 1954 in New York, New York, United States
  • Died: 16 October 1990, New York, New York, United States
  • Active: 1954 - 1990

Biography

The Jazz Messengers were the archetypal hard bop ensemble, serving as a definitive finishing school for generations of jazz musicians for over 35 years. Co-founded by drummer *Art Blakey* and pianist *Horace Silver*, the group's powerful, blues-drenched style was established on their initial #Blue Note# recordings. After *Silver*'s departure in 1956, Blakey became the sole leader and the band's only constant member, guiding lineups that included future legends like *Wayne Shorter*, *Lee Morgan*, and *Wynton Marsalis*. Albums such as 'Moanin'' defined their sound, making the band's name synonymous with the propulsive, soulful evolution of modern jazz until Blakey's death in 1990.

Genres

The Jazz Messengers Discography

Members

  • Art Blakey - drums (1954–1990)
  • Horace Silver - piano (1954–1956)
  • Hank Mobley - tenor saxophone (1954–1956)
  • Doug Watkins - double bass (1954–1956)
  • Bill Hardman - trumpet (1956–1957; 1975–1976)
  • Jackie McLean - alto saxophone (1956–1957)
  • Sam Dockery - piano (1956–1957)
  • Spanky DeBrest - double bass (1956–1957)
  • Johnny Griffin - tenor saxophone (1957–1957)
  • Lee Morgan - trumpet (1958–1961; 1964–1965)
  • Bobby Timmons - piano (1958–1961)
  • Jymie Merritt - double bass (1958–1962)
  • Wayne Shorter - tenor saxophone (1960–1964)
  • Freddie Hubbard - trumpet (1961–1965)
  • Curtis Fuller - trombone (1961–1965; 1977–1978)
  • Cedar Walton - piano (1961–1964; 1973–1973)
  • Reggie Workman - double bass (1962–1964)
  • John Hicks - piano (1964–1965; 1972–1972)
  • Victor Sproles - double bass (1964–1965)
  • Woody Shaw - trumpet (1972–1973)
  • Mickey Bass - double bass (1972–1973)
  • Carter Jefferson - tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone (1973–1973)
  • David Schnitter - tenor saxophone (1975–1979)
  • Walter Davis Jr. - piano (1961–1961; 1975–1977)
  • Chin Suzuki - double bass (1975–1976)
  • Valery Ponomarev - trumpet (1977–1979)
  • Bobby Watson - alto saxophone (1977–1981)
  • James Williams - piano (1977–1981)
  • Dennis Irwin - double bass (1977–1979)
  • Bill Pierce - tenor saxophone (1981–1982)
  • Charles Fambrough - double bass (1981–1982)
  • Terence Blanchard - trumpet (1982–1985)
  • Donald Harrison - alto saxophone (1982–1985)
  • Jean Toussaint - tenor saxophone (1984–1986)
  • Mulgrew Miller - piano (1984–1985)
  • Lonnie Plaxico - double bass (1984–1985)
  • Peter Washington - double bass (1986–1988)
  • Philip Harper - trumpet (1988–1988)
  • Robin Eubanks - trombone (1988–1988)
  • Javon Jackson - tenor saxophone (1988–1990)

Frequent Collaborators