AOTY 2023
Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - Moanin'
Critic Score
Based on 2 reviews
1959 Ratings: #8 / 24
User Score
Based on 479 ratings
1959 Ratings: #3
Liked by 104 people
January 1959 / Release Date
LP / Format
Blue Note / Label
Hard Bop / Genre
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Tristan
NR

"So go on and play, and if you make a mistake, make it loud so you won't make it next time."
-Art Blakey

Art Blakey is a powerful name in the world of jazz.
Anyone who knows a decent bit about the genre will likely know the name well. Blakey was a leader, an innovator, and a legend. One of the most important figures in jazz as a whole, and without a doubt one of the greatest percussionists to ever live. Co-founding The Jazz Messengers in the mid-50s with Horace Silver (another hard ... read more

grave
82

This album got me moanin’

Art Blakey, best known for being the drummer of jazz collective “The Jazz Messengers” signature album Moanin’ is a super solid jazz album. With its groovy saxophones, and expressive drumming, it does everything a jazz album needs to do very well.

I think Moanin’ is the perfect example of a run of the mill jazz album that doesn't fully separate itself from the pack of other jazz albums, but is just played extremely well. It’s a jazz ... read more

CLJesse
65

[MY10 CHALLENGE: DAY 13]

**@MickyT's 100**

Jazz go like *djshkjghdjhfsgkjhfdsgjhdkfhgkdjf*

Okay I'm just gonna make this really quick because I don't have anything particularly interesting to say. This is a really solid and well played jazz record, I just didn't have that strong of a reaction to it. Moanin' is by no means a boring release, but it didn't hit me too hard.

scoutcoker
82

wonderful upbeat, swinging jazz. While the horns often end up the clear star of the tracks, Blakey is a standout with his drumwork. He's so expressive and varied in his stylings and it gives this dynamic backdrop to each track. Golson's sax work is frantic bright and jumpy, and Morgan on trumpet is savory yet still matching the upbeat tone of the ensemble. absolute classic hard bop that's especially fantastic for jazz drumming fans

waffles
82

Favorite Tracks: Moanin', Are You Real, The Drum Thunder (Miniature) Suite

kingchapstick
100

"Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers' 'Moanin''" is the album that ignited my lifelong passion for jazz. It's an album that found its way into my life through a serendipitous encounter, as I stumbled upon an original pressing at a flea market for a mere $4. Little did I know, that chance discovery would forever change my musical journey, turning me into a dedicated jazz enthusiast.

The title track, "Moanin'," is nothing short of a jazz masterpiece. It stands as one of the ... read more

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Track List

1Moanin'
9:30
93
2Are You Real
4:45
87
3Along Came Betty
6:09
80
4The Drum Thunder (Miniature) Suite
7:15
  • First Theme: Drum Thunder
  • Second Theme: Cry A Blue Tear
  • Third Theme: Harlem's Disciples
87
5Blues March
6:35
78
6Come Rain Or Come Shine
5:45
80
Total Length: 39 minutes
Comments (5)

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Added on: October 22, 2015