CD Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers – Newport Jazz Festival '59

Experience the raw power of hard-bop at its peak with Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers – Newport Jazz Festival '59. This 2019 remastered CD release from Equinox captures the legendary ensemble during a definitive live performance, offering both collectors and newcomers an exhilarating glimpse into one of the most vibrant chapters in jazz history.

Led by Art Blakey's thunderous drumming and trademark press rolls, the set features a high-octane lineup including Lee Morgan on trumpet and Benny Golson on tenor saxophone. Backed by the gospel-inflected rhythm section of Bobby Timmons (piano) and Jymie Merritt (bass), the Messengers deliver a masterclass in tight, soulful improvisation.

Key Highlights:

• Fiery Tracks: Features a blistering rendition of "Moanin’," the rhythmic complexity of "The Drum Also Waltzes," and the iconic "Blues March."
• Revitalized Sound: The 2019 Equinox remaster cleans up original tape hiss to deliver a balanced, front-to-backstage ambience that preserves the live crowd’s energy.
• Premium Packaging: Includes insightful liner notes that contextualize this performance within the historic 1959 Newport lineup.

Whether you are looking to anchor your hard-bop library or discover the "Messengers" sound for the first time, this release stands as a vital document of the group's rising influence and powerful leadership.