JAZZ REVIEW : Blakey, Messengers at Catalina Bar & Grill

Drummer Art Blakey, an indomitable force in jazz, brought his seven-man Jazz Messengers to the Catalina Bar & Grill on Tuesday night, providing the sold-out opening-night crowd with textbook examples of hard bop.

Following a five-tune, fully energized first set, Blakey, who will turn 70 later this year, offered a cheering audience his theory that jazz is a “spiritual music” that ought not to be missed.

“From the Creator to the artist, direct to you,” Blakey said, adding that those who have not partaken of the music’s offering “missed something here and now.”

Certainly a legend as both drummer and leader, Blakey has been at the forefront of jazz for nearly 35 years yet he plays with the determination of a kid still trying to gain recognition. Arms flailing and feet pumping, he sticks out his chin and, with accompanying grunts, groans and growls of pleasure, drives the band that could probably run on automatic.

As usual, Blakey was surrounded by worthy youthful musicians who will probably, judging from their abilities, soon be leaders on their own. But for now, they’re ensconced in the fold of the Messengers, learning firsthand how “Moanin’ ” with its familiar theme, can be given new life night after night after night.

The Messengers offered its patented front-line melodic statements and there were exceptional solo efforts by each player in the ensemble.

Altoist Craig Handy, last heard in Los Angeles with pianist Abdullah Ibrahim, was poetic on the timeless classic, “Body and Soul.” His huge sound was also lent effectively to “Second Thoughts,” a handsome composition by Mulgrew Miller. “Time Off,” by Blakey alum Curtis Fuller, was a perfect vehicle for the dynamic and articulate trombone of Frank Lacy, as well as for trumpeter Brian Lynch. From tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson came fine solos on “Moanin’ ” and “Uranus.”

Working in tandem with Blakey was bassist Essiet Okun Essiet and pianist Benny Green, both of whom soloed as brilliantly as they accompanied.

Blakey is right. This is music not to be missed.