Bobby Timmons – 1958
Pianist Bobby Timmons incorporates the long tradition of call and response in ‘Moanin’. The technique has been used for hundreds of years in Africa and then was adapted to work songs and Gospel music by enslaved African Americans and their ancestors. Timmons introduced the piece on a 1958 recording by ‘Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers’.
‘Moanin’ is in the key of F minor (see ‘Nica’s Dream’ Link). It is often mistakenly played in F major (including by me!) thanks to the “Real Book”. The “bridge” is a nice contrast to the main theme with its descending chord groups.