Requisites

The Jazz Messengers at The Café Bohemia, Volume 1 | By Eddie Carter

The year 1955 was a remarkable one for Art Blakey, following his group’s performance at Birdland the previous year, which resulted in A Night at Birdland, Volumes 1, 2, and 3. All three releases were a triumph for the drummer, allowing him to establish a lasting band, The Jazz Messengers, which he co-led with Horace Silver. The inaugural lineup showcased some of the era’s brightest rising stars. Kenny Dorham on trumpet, Hank Mobley on tenor saxophone, Horace Silver on piano, and Doug Watkins on bass. The Jazz Messengers at The Café Bohemia, Volume 1 (Blue Note BLP 1507) documents the quintet’s performance at the jazz club on November 23, 1955. The copy I own is the 1978 King Record Company Japanese mono reissue, sharing the original catalog number.

Art greets the audience at the opening of the set, letting them know they’re in for a memorable cooking session, then cheerfully introduces The Jazz Messengers to everyone in attendance. The quintet starts the set with Soft Winds by Benny Goodman and Fred Royal. The song opens smoothly, with the ensemble’s melody at a relaxed pace. Hank leads the way, confidently captivating the audience and delivering each note of the opening statement efficiently. Kenny follows with a charming performance of lively agility, then Horace brings the solos to a rousing finish, ahead of the theme’s restatement and conclusion.

Kenny Dorham not only played trumpet on this album, but he also arranged every song the group performed. The Theme ends the first side on a thrilling note, with Blakey launching the song with a dazzling introduction before the ensemble’s brisk opening chorus. Dorham leads the charge first with surgical precision, then Silver enters next, building on the excitement in a performance that swings with a happy lift. Mobley takes the baton and lays down a fiery groove of intense heat. Silver returns for a second spirited reading, then Blakey delivers a powerful closing statement before the group’s return for the reprise and climax.

The second side kicks off with Kenny Dorham’s Minor’s Holiday, maintaining the high-spirited energy set by the previous tune. Blakey’s vigorous introduction sets the stage for the ensemble’s speedy theme. Dorham is again the first soloist and really cooks, cleverly weaving in hints of Sing, Sing, Sing throughout his performance. Mobley steps up enthusiastically with an energetic reading next. Silver follows with an exhilarating interpretation that races through each line with intense drive. Dorham then trades spirited riffs with Blakey’s speedy workout, culminating in the theme’s reprise and an electrifying finish.

Alone Together, by Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz, is a showcase for Hank, who introduces the song and leads the rhythm section in the pensively beautiful melody. As the song’s only soloist, he delivers an enchanting performance of gentle sensitivity ahead of the quartet’s reprise and soft summation. Prince Albert by Kenny Dorham and Max Roach closes the album and opens with a relaxed, inviting ensemble melody. Kenny takes the lead and gives a captivating solo. Hank follows with an easygoing groove that’s velvety smooth. Both horns share a brief dialogue with Art before the theme’s return.

Rudy Van Gelder oversaw the recording duties for this album and the companion volume two, ensuring that those who couldn’t be present at The Café Bohemia that evening could still enjoy an extraordinary listening experience. The reissue’s sound quality is superb, with an exceptional soundstage transporting the listener to the club’s cozy, vibrant atmosphere. The Jazz Messengers at The Café Bohemia, Volume 1 stands as a testament to the quintet’s outstanding performance on that special night. Every solo is inspired, and for those eager to expand their musical tastes, I highly recommend this album as an excellent addition to any jazz enthusiast’s library!

~ A Night at Birdland, Volume 1 (Blue Note BLP 5037), A Night at Birdland, Volume 2 (Blue Note BLP 5038), A Night at Birdland, Volume 3 (Blue Note BLP 5039) – Source: Discogs.com ~ Alone Together – Source: JazzStandards.com © 2026 by Edward Thomas Carter

More Posts: choice,classic,collectible,collector,drums,ensemble,history,instrumental,jazz,music

DES MOINES BIG BAND

The Des Moines Big Band, a storied ensemble that goes back to the 1950s, has played with some of the greatest names in jazz, from legends like Clark Terry to some of the more local household names such as Scott Smith. Led by renowned trumpeter/arranger Dave Rezek, this organization is in residence at Noce on Wednesday nights. — The band often invites high school & college groups in to play during the set break. The first Wednesday of every month, though, the band plays their own full night highlighting the work of a different iconic jazz artist or composer.

Cover: $15.00~$28.00

More Posts: adventure,ensemble,genius,instrumental,jazz,music,preserving,travel

TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY JAZZ FACULTY

The Texas State University Jazz Studies program prides itself on providing an intensive, nurturing environment that emphasizes student-faculty interaction and encourages its diverse student population to find their own voices as performers.​ Proximity to both Austin and San Antonio enables students to pursue external performance opportunities that enhance their education. The jazz faculty comprises first-call players who help students network as they transition into a full-time careers in performance, composition, and education. The Texas State Jazz Faculty performs advanced arrangements of contemporary popular music in various styles, under the direction of Dr. Utah Hamrick. All ages welcome.

Cover: $15.00 ~ $25.00

More Posts: adventure,club,ensemble,genius,instrumental,jazz,music,preserving,travel

BRAZILIAN VOICES

Brazilian Voices, a non-profit organization, is a women’s vocal ensemble that performs at cultural community and philanthropic events. Brazilian Voices aspires to incorporate the best of Brazilian culture throughout the world.

The group evolved out of a vocal technique workshop organized by Beatriz Malnic and Loren Oliveira in 2001. Since then, these two musical directors have brought together a cast of devoted women, who volunteer their voices and time promoting and preserving the rich multicultural Brazilian heritage fostering multicultural exchange, music appreciation, and education.

Tickets:

Student: Free | Jazz Gallery Member: Free | Member: $25.00 | General Admission: $35.00

More Posts: adventure,ensemble,genius,history,instrumental,music,preserving,travel,vocal

BRONX RISING! AJASS AND THE EAST

A look at two historic organizations in the Bronx (AJASS) and Brooklyn (The East) and their cultural and artistic legacies.

Discussion: Ajuba Bartlay~Grinage, George “Maliki” Robinson, Cinque Brath, T.S. Monk, David Antoine, and Basir MChawi.

Concert: Reggie Workman, Danny Mixon, George Braith, Antoinette Montague, T.K. Blue and Ronnie Burrage.

More Posts: adventure,concert,ensemble,genius,jazz,music,preserving,travel