Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - Strasbourg 82 (2 CD)

Facts Art Blakey, one of jazz's most visionary bandleaders, saw himself as a mentor dedicated to teaching younger musicians. Through the Jazz Messengers, he nurtured talents ranging from Clifford Brown to Wayne Shorter and shaped future jazz legends. While his bands from the 1950s defined hard bop, his groups from the 1980s took a more retrospective approach, with technically skilled young musicians interpreting the 1960s style with a modern touch as they searched for their own voices. The previously unreleased album Strasbourg 1982 captures a newly reshaped lineup following Wynton Marsalis's departure. His successor, 19-year-old Terence Blanchard, a remarkable talent, is joined by alto saxophonist Donald Harrison, who brings energetic intensity. Together, they later became key figures in the Young Lions movement and revived traditional jazz. 2 CD.