Blues March - Jazz Characters

Art Blakey was a pivotal character in the fifties rhythm scene. Along with Kenny Clarke and Max Roach, he was one of the great figures, not only of percussion, but also of the hard bop style which followed Charlie Parker's be-bop. He gave it new harmonic and rhythmic elements. Skilled in poly-rhythm mixing influences from Africa, Cuba and Brazil, from bop, gospel and blues in a powerful, colourful and hugely expressive playing style, he rapidly became an essential figure in the jazz world.