Classic Backgammon

Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - Backgammon (1976) {2016 Japan SHM-CD Jazz Masters Collection 1200 Series WPCR-29102}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 362 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 114 Mb
Full Artwork @ 600 dpi (png) -> 183 Mb | 5% repair rar | 24bit remaster
© 1976, 2016 Roulette / Parlophone / Warner Music Japan | WPCR-29102
Jazz / Hard Bop

Reissue with SHM-CD format and new 24bit remastering. Comes with a mini-description. Killer work from this overlooked Art Blakey stretch of the mid 70s – a time when the drummer was getting back to basics, and re-igniting his music with help from some key younger players! This set sparkles with sharp tenor from the great David Schnitter – already a powerhouse out of the box, and driven onto new heights by Blakey! Also present is pianist Albert Dailey, whose conception helps bring in some fresh sounds to the Jazz Messengers universe – alongside flute player Ladji Camara, who also vocalizes on one cut. Yoshio Suzuki handles bass, and old line trumpeter Bill Hardman comes in to round out the group – on titles that include "Uranus", "Third World Blues", "Namfulay", and "Backgammon".

Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers - Live At Umbria Jazz 1976 (2002) {TDK} [DVD5 PAL]
DVD5 -> 4.04 Gb | All Regions | PAL 4:3 | 01:01:18 | ISO Image
Audio: LinearPCM, 2 ch / Dolby AC3, 6 ch / DTS, 6 ch
© 2002 TDK Recording / Polivideo
Jazz / Hard Bop / Post Bop

Orginally recorded in 1976, this production features a live performance from Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. The usual suspects make up the band – Bill Hardman on Trumpet, Mickey Tucker on piano, Cameron Brown on bass, and Blakey on his signature drums – and songs include "Backgammon," "Along Came Betty," "Uranus," "Blues March," "All the Things You Are," and "Gipsy Folk Tales." Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers on disc has trailers for other TDK jazz releases and a text biography of Art Blakey. The 4:3 picture is sometimes slightly soft and displays the usual faults of live concert footage shot on video, but is generally much better than expected for its age. The sound defaults to good stereo but the Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 remixes add considerably to the sense of a occasion. The DTS track is particularly weighty and almost tangible in its presence.

Walter Davis, Jr. - Illumination (1977) {Denon–Nippon Columbia ‎DC-8553 rel 1989}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 346 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 169 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 8 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1977, 1989 Denon / Nippon Columbia ‎| DC-8553
Jazz / Hard Bop / Piano

Since Walter Davis, Jr. had relatively few opportunities to lead recording dates of his own, one would hope that conditions would be ideal for the occasional recording session. Sadly, he's stuck with a badly out of tune instrument on this occasion, making it almost excruciating to listen to his performance of his best-known work, the normally exciting hard bop vehicle "Scorpio Rising." Davis utilizes several different rhythm sections, including the likes of Buster Williams, Art Blakey, and Tony Williams.