It’s a Hardbop Life, a 2004 New York JVC Jazz Festival Special Event

It’s a Hardbop Life, a 2004 New York JVC Jazz Festival Special Event, is the debut of the historic play,
which features for the first time, top jazz musicians
as principal actors. The play stars former Duke
Ellington Orchestra trombonist and Art Blakey protege,
Gregory Charles Royal, with legendary saxophonist
Billy Harper, Chris Albert, Clarence Seay and Eric
Allen. Q is a top college athlete having problems with
his game and rhythm, until his coach gives him an old
LP of an “ancient” music called jazz to get him back
on track. In a dream, Q. and his college cohorts
become members of a jazz group called Hardbop, about
to perform their 1964 New York debut of a funky style
of jazz at the Jazz Corner Nightclub. Q.’s journey is
filled with comedy and tragedy as he comes to grips
with his craft, his attitudes toward women and the
world!