Clark Tracey with Alan Barnes

Art Blakey, one of the greatest jazz drummers, with his Jazz Messengers band, performed at the highest level for over 35 years. He created a new “double hit shuffle” rhythm that propelled his band forward, always attempting new and innovative improvisations. He launched the careers of legions of young sidemen, many of whom feature in this Blue Note Years Series. He offered this inspired response to why his line ups changed, “I’m gonna to stay with the youngsters. When these get too old, I’m gonna get some younger ones. Keeps the mind active.” The British jazz great Clark Tracey, winner of Best Drummer British Jazz Awards 2016 & 2017 leads the ensemble capturing the hard driving Art Blakey style, supported by ace saxophone master Alan Barnes.