Art BLAKEY & JAZZ MESSENGERS

Art Blakey (1919–1990) was an American jazz drummer and bandleader. The Jazz Messengers, led by Blakey, were a seminal hard bop group and a proving ground for many prominent jazz musicians.

The Jazz Messengers served as an important training ground for many notable jazz players; alumni include Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis and Bobby Watson. Keystone 3 is a live 1982 recording featuring members of the Marsalis brothers early in their careers.

The provided review discusses the live 1982 album Keystone 3, highlighting the presence of Wynton and Branford Marsalis and a swinging, mainstream hard-bop repertoire. Performances are generally strong; Wynton's technique is singled out while Branford is considered less imaginative. The release is noted also for a high-quality audiophile red-vinyl edition.

For:Jazz fans, hard-bop listeners, vinyl collectors and those interested in jazz history