Moanin': The Perfect Blend of Swing, Blues and Bop

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Moanin’: The Perfect Blend of Swing, Blues and Bop

        Every era of jazz has unique qualities that bring joy to a listener; the soulfulness of the blues, the strong dancing rhythm of swing, the melodic chord progressions of bop and the creativity of funk make jazz an art-form that has been enjoyable for nearly 100 years.  But there is no time period of jazz that as seamlessly and beautifully combines the great attributes of so many eras as does 1950s hard bop.  “Moanin’”, a song written by Bobby Timmons, who was one of the premier composers during this period, was performed by Art Blakey, the best and most riveting drummer of his day, and Blakey’s band in the early 1950s.  The song, with its unique blend of gospel, blues, swing and bop, really epitomizes hard bop which is the peak of the jazz listening experience.

        What is it about this song besides its blend of different jazz styles that makes it uniquely hard bop?  The size of the band (only 5 members) and its instrumentation (no trombone, guitar, tuba, banjo, etc.) rules out any era prior to the 1940s and the set chord progressions, inclusion of piano, and lack of rock influence rules out any era post 1950s.  This leaves bop, cool jazz and hard bop from which to choose.  Cool jazz is not a logical choice for the constant pushing rhythm is too fiery, the tone quality too rough and the range of the improvisations too great.  It could be confused with bop, however, this song really swings and accentuates blues notes, something that is unique to hard bop.  “Moanin’” is therefore the quintessential hard bop piece.

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        Like a leaf riding the flow of a stream, the song really rides the drumming of Art Blakey, who uses the ride symbol for a swing pattern (accentuating beats 1, the & of 2, and 3) and stresses beats 2 and 4 on the snare.  Jymie Merritt also helps push the pace along by walking the bass.  These two band members really give the piece its swing feeling.  The gospel feeling can be traced to the song’s melody and the main riff’s call and answer style.  The bluesiness comes from the soloists themselves who an abundance of blues notes.

“Moanin’” ...

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