Episode 15 of Freemprove spans a very wide stylistic range, from traditional jazz, as represented for example by Jay McShann, all the way to one of the great masterpieces of the avant-garde, Out to Lunch! by Eric Dolphy.
For me, this mainly shows how small the distance between these worlds really is. Duke Ellington once said that there are only two kinds of music: good music, and the other kind. In any case, in this week’s post I wanted to talk about two key figures who also appear repeatedly throughout my show.
Art Blakey
Art Blakey’s band was a kind of university for young musicians who passed through its ranks. The group existed for 35 years, beginning in the 1950s, a period marked by a return to the roots of soul and blues music. This movement was, in many ways, an antithesis to the sophistication and virtuosity of bebop.
Blakey was a self-taught drummer and developed a powerful, energetic playing style. During his formative years, he played with Fletcher Henderson, Mary Lou Williams, and the famous big band of Billy Eckstine, a group that served as a home for many of the pioneers of bebop. In terms of drumming style, he often stated that Kenny Clarke was the drummer who influenced him more than any other.
After the big band disbanded, Art Blakey embarked on a journey of self-discovery that took him to places such as India, Nigeria, and the Ivory Coast. One outcome of this journey was his conversion to Islam. He also adopted the name Buhaina.
Art's mother passed away when he was only six months old, and I suppose he experienced a difficult childhood. Perhaps this is one reason he became such a prolific father: he had seven biological children and adopted seven more. By the way, his first marriage took place when he was just fifteen years old.
In February 1954, Blakey introduced the Jazz Messengers for the first time, in a performance at Birdland. Throughout its entire existence, the Jazz Messengers did not fundamentally change their musical style. It was always hard bop. The sheer number of stars and outstanding musicians who worked with and were shaped by Art Blakey is simply unbelievable. Jackie McLean, one of the many musicians who passed through the Messengers, said after Blakey’s death, that the school is closed forever.
Eric Dolphy
From the late 1950s until his death in 1964, he maintained an extremely busy schedule of performances and recording sessions. He played with the very best and greatest musicians of his time. He first gained recognition as a member of Chico Hamilton’s group, and later continued working with John Coltrane, as well as spending an important period performing with Charles Mingus.
His playing style was groundbreaking. He was influenced by Charlie Parker, but quickly developed his own musical language and became a transitional figure between bebop and free jazz. He played alto saxophone, flute, and bass clarinet.
In the year of his death, Dolphy also released his legendary and avant-garde album "Out to Lunch". He was only 36 years old when he passed away. It happened during one of the most successful years of his career. Around that time, Dolphy had moved to live in Europe. His highly creative playing will always stand out. An unrestrained flight of imagination, a rich musical language. Qualities that made him one of the most influential figures in jazz.
In the photo, you see Tony Williams and Richard Davis in February 1964, in the midst of the recording sessions for Dolphy’s masterpiece.
Freemprove 15 was broadcast on April 5, 2025. You can listen to it on my Mixcloud.
See the setlist below.
Aaron Parks - Sports
Art Blakey - Pensativa
Mulatu Astatke - Delilah
Jay McShann - Dexter Blues
The John Coltrane Quartet - Song of the Underground Railroad
Eric Dolphy - Hat And Beard
Amaro Freitas - Mar de Cirandeiras
Jon Batiste - BLACCK
Donald Byrd - Ghana
Jean-Louis Matinier - In C