ART BLAKEY (Orgy in Rhythm) Jazz History #56

‘Orgy in Rhythm’ was the title of a 1956 album by drummer Art Blakey. While not recorded by the band for which he is most famous and which is the primary focus of this video, it’s a fitting description of the sound that emanated from his drums. As leader of the Jazz Messengers for decades, Art Blakey provided the platform and the impetus for generations of young jazz musicians who were themselves destined for stardom. His power and commitment to the music was legendary; he once said “I don’t care if your mother just died—you come to the bandstand, you play.” Not for nothing did Max Roach refer to him as ‘Thunder’. ABOUT THIS SERIES The Jazz History series is a video adaptation of a PowerPoint presentation used to teach a university course. It traces the roots of jazz from Ragtime at the turn of the 20th century to jazz-rock fusion at the end of the 1960s. You’ll find a lot more videos like this one in the JAZZ HISTORY playlist on this channel. Here’s the runaway favorite, ironically about one of the least well-known artists in the whole series, which I subtitled ’The greatest pianist you never heard’. If you want to learn more about the nuts and bolts of playing jazz, check out the videos in the JAZZ TACTICS playlist. JAZZ TACTICS SUGGESTIONS Do You Speak Jazz? What Makes Jazz Jazz? Why I Can’t Teach You Jazz What’s So Great About Chet Baker? Guido Basso: A Voice You Won’t Forget Trading Fours With Freddie Hubbard Improvising on Rhythm Changes ABOUT THIS CHANNEL On this channel, jazz trumpeter, educator and author Chase Sanborn offers information and advice for musicians and music appreciators. PLAYLISTS This link will take you to all the playlists on this channel: LEAVE A TIP You can leave a tip to support the work that goes into this channel by clicking the THANKS button. Thanks to YOU for watching! MORE INFORMATION For more in-depth and personal information and instruction, check out Chase’s books and online lesson options on his website: