Tony Allen To Release Tribute Album To Art Blakey And The Jazz Messengers

Nigerian drummer and Afrobeat pioneer Tony Allen is to release a tribute album, dedicated to one of his idols- American jazz drummer Art Blakey.

American jazz played a hugely influential role in the development of Allen's early musical career in his homeland of Nigeria. Similarly, the music of Africa played a pivotol role in Blakey's music, with the jazz musician travelling around West Africa during the late 1940s exploring the cultural and musical heritage of the land.

'A Tribute to Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers' was recorded in Paris, where Allen currently resides, and will be released on Blue Note this autumn, with a preview EP expected May 19th. The EP will feature Allen's lively, 7-piece jazz band interpretations of Blakey's classics such as 'Moanin', 'A Night In Tunisia', 'Politely' and 'Drum Thunder Suite'. 

For more info head HERE.