Art Blakey, also known as "the Witch Doctor," was an iconic American jazz drummer and bandleader. Born on October 11, 1919, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Blakey became one of the most influential figures in the world of jazz. Blakey's career in music began in the 1940s when he played with various bands, including Fletcher Henderson and Mary Lou Williams. However, it was in the 1950s where he found his most significant success. In 1955, Blakey formed the Jazz Messengers, a group that would become renowned for its hard bop sound. "The Witch Doctor" moniker refers to Blakey's energetic and spellbinding drumming style.
En effet le rendue sonore de ce T.P. est assez "énervant" . pastoso en italien Ecouté 2 fois.Stop
Premier reflex nettoyer l'aiguille. mais non le son est pas terrible.
Il restera dans la collection. sans passer sur la platine!
The record itself is indeed amazingly dynamic and entertaining to listen to, not to mention this is also almost one of the quietest Tone Poets I ve got its got two small pops at the end of B1 and thats pretty much it. Solo-wise, Morgan is totally on fire, especially on his own tracks, whereas Shorter seems to be constantly adding hues and colours and is a pleasure to listen to.
"The Witch Doctor" moniker refers to Blakey's energetic and spellbinding drumming style. He was known for his powerful playing, often unleashing thunderous rolls and driving rhythms that captivated audiences. Blakey's innovative drumming techniques, such as the use of press rolls and cross-sticking, set him apart from other drummers of his time.
Art blakeg the witch doctor
I don’t really want to give “The Witch Doctor” four stars because it doesn’t feel like a classic LP, but the tracks are too good to give it less. It’s an unrelenting beatdown, a successful conveyance of stress and the hectic life, and it moves fast. The highlights are Blakey’s blown-out drum solos, which take this recording where few others go. Every track here is solid, to say the least.
Published ADVERTISEMENTThe Jazz Messengers were totally unleashed in '61 and recorded a fiendish amount of albums. By my count at least 6.5 studio albums. You'd think there that the well would be tapped but no. Of course they had to wait to stagger the releases for financial feasibility but goddamn they were on fire.
"Afrique" is one of my favourite Lee Morgan tunes. It makes me go wild with its jenky head that breaks into a swing so effortlessly. Classic Lee.
Timmon's "A Little Busy" should be noted as well for its infectious blues. Another feather in the same cap that brought us "Moanin'" and "Dat Dere".
Can't go wrong with this period of JM - big ol 4/5
PublishedThis album, recorded in 1961 but shelved until 1968, features one of my favorite Messengers lineups in perfect form. Lee Morgan's sound is almost unbelievably huge, Wayne Shorter's sound is giant as well, and his stylistic eccentricity serves as a great front line foil for Morgan, with the prime example being their respective solos over "Afrique". The rhythm section is perfect. Morgan and Shorter share most of the writing credits, penning two tunes each, while "A Little Busy" and "Lost and Found" are Timmons and Duke Jordan compositions, respectively. More of the best, from the best of the best.
PublishedThis 1961 session (released with a 6-year delay) was recorded only four weeks after the fantastic Roots and Herbs session and features the same excellent line-up in a similarly great shape. Composition duties are more equally shared among the band members; Lee Morgan's "Witch Doctor" and "Afrique" are particularly energetic, whereas Wayne Shorter's "Those Who Sit and Wait" and "Joelle" combine swing with a more ominous quality. Solo-wise, Morgan is totally on fire, especially on his own tracks, whereas Shorter seems to be constantly adding hues and colours and is a pleasure to listen to. Perhaps not one of Blakey's very best (if only for the lack of variation), but a more than worthwhile document from the band's strongest period.
Published 7243 5 21957 2 5 CD (1999) ADVERTISEMENTVotes are used to help determine the most interesting content on RYM.
Vote up content that is on-topic, within the rules/guidelines, and will likely stay relevant long-term.
Vote down content which breaks the rules.
The Jazz Messengers were totally unleashed in '61 and recorded a fiendish amount of albums. By my count at least 6.5 studio albums. You'd think there that the well would be tapped but no. Of course they had to wait to stagger the releases for financial feasibility but goddamn they were on fire.
Under Blakey's leadership, the Jazz Messengers became a prominent breeding ground for young, talented jazz musicians. Many members of the group went on to become influential figures in their own right, such as Wayne Shorter, Freddie Hubbard, and Wynton Marsalis, among others. Blakey encouraged his band members to explore their own unique musical voices, fostering a sense of individuality within the ensemble. Throughout his career, Art Blakey released numerous albums, including the notable "Moanin'" and "Free for All." These albums showcased his exceptional drumming skills and his ability to create dynamic and engaging compositions. Blakey's contribution to the music industry garnered him critical acclaim and led to him being a prominent figure in jazz history. Sadly, on October 16, 1990, Art Blakey passed away at the age of 71. However, his legacy continues to live on through his music and the countless musicians he inspired. Blakey's influence can be heard in the work of contemporary jazz artists, ensuring that his unique style and contributions will forever be remembered. In conclusion, Art Blakey, the Witch Doctor, was a legendary drummer and bandleader who revolutionized the world of jazz. His energetic and captivating playing style, along with his leadership of the Jazz Messengers, left an indelible mark on the genre. Blakey's music continues to inspire and influence musicians to this day, solidifying his status as one of the all-time greats in jazz history..
Reviews for "A Window into the Otherworldly: The Artistic Vision of Blake the Witch Doctor"
1. John - 2/5 stars: I found "Art Blakeg the Witch Doctor" to be incredibly disjointed and confusing. The album lacked a cohesive direction, with each track feeling like a completely different genre and style. It was difficult to follow along and connect with the music, as there was no consistent theme or mood. Overall, "Art Blakeg the Witch Doctor" left me feeling disappointed and unsatisfied.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars: I couldn't get into "Art Blakeg the Witch Doctor" at all. The album seemed to lack any clear structure or purpose. The songs felt like a mishmash of random sounds, with no real melody or rhythm to guide the listener. It was a jumbled mess of noise that left me feeling confused and unimpressed. I didn't find any redeeming qualities in this album and would not recommend it to anyone.
3. David - 2/5 stars: I appreciate experimental and avant-garde music, but "Art Blakeg the Witch Doctor" just didn't resonate with me. The album felt pretentious and inaccessible. It seemed like the artist was more concerned with showcasing their technical skills and pushing boundaries than creating enjoyable music. While I can understand the artistic intentions behind the album, it ultimately failed to engage me on an emotional or intellectual level.
4. Emily - 2.5/5 stars: "Art Blakeg the Witch Doctor" had moments of brilliance, but it was overshadowed by a lack of cohesiveness. The album seemed like a collection of individual tracks rather than a well-crafted piece of work. There were some interesting ideas and unique sounds, but they didn't come together in a way that captivated me or left a lasting impression. It felt like a missed opportunity for the artist to create something truly memorable.