THE BLAKEY BOYS

Celebrating Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers

Firmly established as one of the UK’s finest jazz outfits, Blakey’s Boys sold out every show in 2017 and 2018. Fronted by hard blowing tenor man Matt Telfer and Ronnie Scott's resident trumpeter Andy Davies, Blakey’s Boys return to perform popular arrangements from the legendary Jazz Messengers which led by drumming icon Art Blakey, was undoubtedly one of the most influential jazz combos with a career spanning 35 years.

Opening with songs from Blakey’s hit album Moanin’, the boys play arrangements of favourites such as Blues March, Moanin' and Are You Real. The band play with Blakey's trademark raw energy and deep swing whilst paying homage to composers Benny Golson, Lee Morgan, Bobby Timmons and Wayne Shorter.

"A musical journey featuring all of the Blakey favourites.

The band capture the true Blakey energy and deliver an explosive performance." 

Time Out London

Between numbers, Ronnie Scott’s Paul Pace takes the stage to narrate the Art Blakey story and give a vivid picture of the various editions of the Messengers, their featured players along with personal recollections of their live performances.

The second set is a selection of the favourites from Blakey's career with the band storming in with tunes such as Ping Pong, Nica's Dream, Caravan and A Night in Tunisia to name a few.

Expect a night of hard swinging action that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The band was formed 3 years ago for a one of Jazz Festival in France. After a sell-out show, Matt Telfer decided the project was an important tool for keeping Art Blakey and Jazz in general alive. Months of hard work perfecting the Art Blakey style and energy the band started gigging. Using the compositions of Lee Morgan, Bobby Timmons, Wayne Shorter and Lee Morgan the band took to the stage to tell the Blakey story. Playing to sold out venues in the 2015 and 2016 EFG London Jazz Festivals, word started to get around about the new Jazz Messengers band. Kicking 2017 off with yet another sell out gig at Pizza Express, Blakey's Boys are set for big things in 2017!

"A toe tapping, finger clicking gig that swings hard and delivers an entertaining and educational performance." 

Midlands Arts Review

Paul Pace – Narrator

Matt Telfer – Saxophone / Band Leader

Andy Davies – Trumpet

Chris Jerome – Piano

Miles Danso – Double Bass

Gabor Dornyei – Drums

OTHER INFORMATION

GENRES: HARD BEBOP JAZZ

TICKETS: EARLY BIRD TICKETS £12 | ON THE DOOR £15

SEATING IS UN-ALLOCATED AND IS SUBJECT TO 1ST COME, 1ST SERVED BASIS

ONLY BAR FOOD & DRINKS AVAILABLE IN JAZZ CLUB

À LA CARTE DINING AVAILABLE IN THE MAIN RESTAURANT PRIOR TO SHOW

PLEASE ALLOW UP TO 2 HOURS FOR DINNER RESERVATIONS.