The Last of the Blue Devils

The Last of the Blue Devils, a 1978 album by Jay McShann, features a mix of Jazz and Blues styles, with contributions from notable musicians such as Charlie Parker, Benny Goodman, and Count Basie. This album is a testament to the rich musical heritage of Kansas City, Missouri, where Jay McShann and other legendary musicians like Lester Young and Charlie Christian got their start. The album's title, The Last of the Blue Devils, refers to the Blue Devils, a influential Jazz band from the 1920s and 1930s that was led by Walter Page and featured musicians like Oran "Hot Lips" Page and Jimmy Rushing. The album is a tribute to the Blue Devils and the Kansas City Jazz scene, which was characterized by its unique blend of Blues, Swing, and Improvisation, as seen in the works of Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Jelly Roll Morton.

Introduction

The Last of the Blue Devils is an album that showcases the talents of Jay McShann and his band, which included musicians like Paul Quinichette, Herman Walder, and Gus Johnson. The album features a range of songs, from Blues standards like Jimmy Witherspoon's "Ain't Nobody's Business" to Jazz classics like Dizzy Gillespie's "A Night in Tunisia". The album's sound is characterized by its use of Piano, Saxophone, and Trumpet, which were all staples of the Kansas City Jazz scene, as seen in the music of Benny Moten, Eddie Barefield, and Harlan Leonard. The album has been praised for its energetic and soulful performances, which capture the spirit of the Blue Devils and the Kansas City Jazz tradition, as embodied by musicians like Pete Johnson, Big Joe Turner, and Julia Lee.

Background

The Last of the Blue Devils was recorded in 1978, a time when Jazz and Blues were experiencing a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to the efforts of musicians like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Ray Charles. The album was produced by Norman Granz, a renowned Jazz producer who had worked with musicians like Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, and Dizzy Gillespie. The album's liner notes were written by Leonard Feather, a prominent Jazz critic and historian who had written about musicians like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie. The album's cover art features a painting by David Stone Martin, a artist who had created artwork for albums by Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Thelonious Monk.

History

The Last of the Blue Devils is an album that looks back to the rich musical heritage of Kansas City, Missouri, where Jay McShann and other legendary musicians like Lester Young and Charlie Christian got their start. The album's title, The Last of the Blue Devils, refers to the Blue Devils, a influential Jazz band from the 1920s and 1930s that was led by Walter Page and featured musicians like Oran "Hot Lips" Page and Jimmy Rushing. The Blue Devils were known for their energetic and soulful performances, which captured the spirit of the Kansas City Jazz scene, as embodied by musicians like Benny Moten, Eddie Barefield, and Harlan Leonard. The album is a tribute to the Blue Devils and the Kansas City Jazz scene, which was characterized by its unique blend of Blues, Swing, and Improvisation, as seen in the works of Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Jelly Roll Morton.

Music and Style

The music on The Last of the Blue Devils is a mix of Jazz and Blues styles, with contributions from notable musicians such as Charlie Parker, Benny Goodman, and Count Basie. The album features a range of songs, from Blues standards like Jimmy Witherspoon's "Ain't Nobody's Business" to Jazz classics like Dizzy Gillespie's "A Night in Tunisia". The album's sound is characterized by its use of Piano, Saxophone, and Trumpet, which were all staples of the Kansas City Jazz scene, as seen in the music of Benny Moten, Eddie Barefield, and Harlan Leonard. The album's style is reminiscent of the Swing era, with its emphasis on strong Rhythm sections and soloists, as seen in the music of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Benny Goodman. The album also features a range of Vocal performances, including Jay McShann's soulful vocals on songs like Jimmy Rushing's "Good Morning Blues".

Legacy

The Last of the Blue Devils is an album that has had a lasting impact on the world of Jazz and Blues. The album's unique blend of Jazz and Blues styles has influenced a range of musicians, from Wynton Marsalis and Harry Connick Jr. to Diana Krall and Norah Jones. The album's tribute to the Blue Devils and the Kansas City Jazz scene has also helped to preserve the legacy of this important musical tradition, as embodied by musicians like Pete Johnson, Big Joe Turner, and Julia Lee. The album has been recognized as a classic of the Jazz and Blues genres, and continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike, including Nat Hentoff, Dan Morgenstern, and Michael Cuscuna. The album's influence can be heard in the music of Jazz and Blues musicians around the world, from New Orleans, Louisiana to Chicago, Illinois, and from New York City to Los Angeles, California. Category:Jazz albums