Having paid homage to Miles and Coltrane with highly acclaimed concerts in 2018 and 2019, Joe Mongelli and the Cape Jazz Crew return this year with a Tribute to Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. Included in this concert are many of the Jazz Messengers' biggest hits including: Moanin’, Along Came Betty, The Preacher, It’s Only A Paper Moon, Doodlin’, Almost Like Being in Love, and many more.
As you’ve come to expect, this performance will feature meticulous re-creations of the original arrangements and inspired improvisation by Joe Mongelli (trumpet and flugelhorn), Scott Avidon (tenor sax), Mark Borgmann (piano), Michale Ryle (upright bass), and Mike Dunford (drums). Don’t miss this summer’s must-attend jazz concert!
A little bit of history behind the inspiration for this show:
For many, the late ‘50s and early ‘60s represent the most compelling era in jazz. Iconic recordings were being made by the likes of Miles Davis, John Coletrane, Sonny Rollins, Clifford Brown and many other important artists too numerous to mention. Top among the list of ‘other important artists’ of that era is Art Blakey - one of the most influential drummers and band leaders for over 40 years! His band, the Jazz Messengers, produced dozens of memorable and critically-acclaimed recordings. More importantly, the Jazz Messengers was a powerful incubator and showcase for rising stars, most of whom went on to have stellar careers of their own as leaders. Featured trumpeters included Lee Morgan, Kenny Dorham, Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw, Wynton Marsalis, and even Chuck Mangione. Sax legends Sonny Rollins, Johnny Griffin, Benny Golson, Jackie McClean and Hank Mobely all did stints with the Messengers. Notable pianists who played with the Messengers include Horace Silver, Cedar Walton, Mulgrew Miller and Bobby Timmons.