Tag Archives: Ira Sullivan

Art Blakey: Drum Suite

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In April 1957, “Columbia” label released “Drum Suite”, album by Art Blakey, side one is the Art Blakey Percussion Ensemble, side two is the Jazz Messengers. It was recorded June – December 1956, February 1957, at “Columbia 30th Street Studio” in New York City, and was produced by George Avakian.

Personnel:

  • Art Blakey – drums
  • Bill Hardman – trumpet
  • Donald Byrd – trumpet
  • Jackie McLean – alto saxophone
  • Ira Sullivan – tenor saxophone
  • Ray Bryant – piano
  • Sam Dockery – piano
  • Kenny Drew – piano
  • Oscar Pettiford – bass, cello
  • Spanky DeBrest – bass
  • Wilbur Ware – bass
  • Jo Jones – drums
  • Charles “Specs” Wright – drums, timpani, gong
  • Candido Camero – bongos
  • Sabu Martinez – bongos 

Track listing:

  1. The Sacrifice – Art Blakey
  2. Cubano Chant – Ray Bryant
  3. Oscalypso – Oscar Pettiford
  4. Nica’s Tempo – Gigi Gryce
  5. D’s Dilemma – Mal Waldron
  6. Just for Marty – Bill Hardman

Jaco Pastorius

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On September 21, 1987, John Francis Anthony “Jaco” Pastorius III died aged 35. He was a musician (bass), a member of Weather Report (1976 – 1981). Regarded as one of the best world bass players, he worked and recorded with Joni Mitchell, Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, Randy Bernsen, Little Beaver, Ira Sullivan,  Albert Mangelsdorff, Ian Hunter, Airto Moreira, Tom Scott, Flora Purim,  Cockrell & Santos, Michel Colombier, Manolo Badrena, Michel Polnareff, Bob Mintzer, Brian Melvin, Jimmy Cliff, Brian Melvin Trio, and Mike Stern. In 2006 Pastorius was voted “The Greatest Bass Player Who Has Ever Lived” by readers in Bass Guitar magazine, and was inducted in the Down Beat “Hall of Fame”. During his lifetime Pastorius released four albums as a leader.