MUS114 Essay 1

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114

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Arts Humanities

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Oct 30, 2023

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Ahmed 1 Waqar Ahmed Prof. Irabagon MUS 114 3/19/2023 Blue Notes Album Review The Blue Note album I decided to examine was Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers' Moanin' (1958). "Moanin'," a legendary album by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, issued by the famed Blue Note Records, has captivated my attention in a manner that few other records have. On this album, the Jazz Messengers lineup includes Art Blakey on drums, Lee Morgan on trumpet, Benny Golson on tenor saxophone, Bobby Timmons on piano, and Jymie Merritt on bass. I'll examine the tracks on the album, give a brief background on the band's leader Art Blakey, and talk about my personal feelings on the music in this essay. American jazz drummer and bandleader Art Blakey had a crucial role in developing the hard bop style of bebop, which combined elements of blues, gospel, and rhythm and blues. Blakey, who was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1919, started playing music in the early 1940s and guided several groups over the course of his career. His most well-known group, The Jazz Messengers, developed a lot of young jazz performers. Six distinct songs from the group's album "Moanin'" demonstrate the group's range. The album opens with the title track, "Moanin'," a blues-influenced composition by pianist Bobby Timmons that draws listeners in with its enticing tune. The pace quickens with "Are You Real?" as the band shows off its expertise. With its lovely, lyrical nature, "Along Came Betty" slows things down while highlighting tenor saxophonist Benny Golson's soulful playing. The three-part piece "The Drum Thunder Suite" highlights Blakey's remarkable drumming abilities, which get

Ahmed 2 better all the way through. "Blues March" presents a lively, march-like composition that displays the band's seamless, rhythmic teamwork. Last but not least, the group's own take on the jazz standard "Come Rain or Come Shine" demonstrates their talent at personalizing well-known songs. I enjoyed listening to "Moanin'" because it was engaging and fascinating. Each song's raw emotion and intensity struck a chord with me, but the title track in particular felt like a live performance thanks to its catchy chorus and soulful solos from Morgan and Golson. I find that this album stands out for its seamless blending of many jazz genres, from bluesy, soulful tunes to more intricate compositions. The players' remarkable chemistry and accurate ensemble performance astounded me. This seamless fusion of complex arrangements and unbridled passion makes for an interesting listen. I'd strongly suggest "Moanin'" to anyone who’s interested in jazz because it embodies the best of the hard bop subgenre. This record has made me want to find out more about Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers' discography. I've been motivated to research the sidemen's solo works also as a result of their excellent performances, especially Lee Morgan and Benny Golson. To sum up, "Moanin'" by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers is a classic that brilliantly displays the skills of its musicians. This album had a big impression on me, and I think it will continue to influence jazz fans in the future because of its wide range of tunes and captivating performances.

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