In this lesson I take you through the must know jazz standard “Moanin” by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. I teach you how to play the head, the chords the first 24 bars of Lee Morgans trumpet solo on guitar and discuss soloing strategies. Enjoy and thanks so much for checking out my videos!
About
“Moanin’” is a classic jazz composition by the legendary drummer Art Blakey and his group, the Jazz Messengers. It was recorded in 1958 and became one of the standout tracks on the album Moanin’, which is one of the most celebrated records in Blakey’s career.
The song was composed by the pianist Bobby Timmons, and it is known for its soulful, bluesy feel that blends hard bop with gospel influences. “Moanin’” features a memorable, catchy piano riff played by Timmons and a strong, emotive brass section, with a prominent role for the horns. The piece has a distinctive, almost hymn-like opening, followed by a powerful groove that’s become synonymous with the hard bop movement.
The track’s mood is a mixture of joy and longing, with the “moanin’” of the title referring to both the mournful, blues-inspired melody and the deep, emotional expressions conveyed by the musicians. It’s one of the songs that helped establish the Jazz Messengers as a pioneering group in the 1950s jazz scene.
The composition was so popular that it became a jazz standard, and its infectious rhythm, soulful energy, and memorable melody have made it a favorite among jazz lovers. “Moanin’” is also notable for its strong contributions from the band members, including Wayne Shorter on tenor saxophone and Lee Morgan on trumpet, both of whom would go on to have highly influential careers in jazz.