With Ralph Peterson (drums), Bobby Watson (alto saxophone), Billy Pierce (tenor and soprano saxophone), Brian Lynch (trumpet), Donald Brown (piano), Reggie Workman (double bass).
The Messenger Legacy consists of prominent former members of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, which was one of the most influential formations of jazz history and a drummer who was more than a conductor for all those who have worked with him. Without any attachment to the past, the idea is to transmit the spirit of one of the most important institutions in learning jazz music.
No other drummer is more qualified than Ralph Peterson to lead such a group. In 1983, he was 21 when he was chosen by Art Blakey to be the second drummer of the Jazz Messengers Big Band. He learned first-hand from the master and remains the first disciple. Bobby Watson was one of the Messengers from 1977 to 1981 and served as musical director. Bill Pierce was a pillar of the Messengers in the early 80’s. Donald Brown played in 1981 and 1982 and he was the musical director in 1986. In 1988, Brian Lynch joined what turned out to be the last milling of Jazz Messengers. As for Reggie Workman, he began to work with the Jazz Messengers in 1962 and he was a regular member in this high innovative period, more than fifty years ago…