In the case of Art Blakey, the name "jazz legend" is wholly appropriate. Following Blakey's musical apprenticeship in the bands of Billy Eckstine and Dizzy Gillespie, the Jazz Messengers formed in 1955. They were pivotal in nurturing the hard edged bebop sound and the jazz greats of the future This unique DVD recorded in 1982 also includes a set by Johnny Griffin.
In 1979 and 1980, John McLaughlin, Larry Coryell and Paco de Lucia formed a guitar super-trio and toured Europe. The spellbinding quality of the music that the collaboration created as an ensemble and the dazzling audience reaction to the performances has never been surpassed and has rightfully passed into Jazz folklore. At long last an original, authenticated master of one of the concerts on the tour is available; anybody interested in jazz guitar HAS to hear and see this!
This DVD features an engaging performance by Chick Corea (Keyboards) with Dave Weckl (Drums) and John Patitucci (Bass) at Iowa State University circa 1987. Corea travels between the jazz and fusion worlds with great ease, since he became part of Miles Davis' renowned electric group from 1968-'70, and then formed Return to Forever, with Stan Getz which began as a Latin-flavored group, then shifted toward electric fusion and fame. Since the late '70s, Corea has alternated in the electric and acoustic realms with his Elektric and Akoustic Bands, recording in contexts ranging from solo and duo projects and has won eight Grammys out of 25 nominations. This DVD is sheer proof of this magnificence.
