This is truly one of the great classics of hard bop, with drummer Art Blakey leading arguably his greatest Jazz Messengers lineup through a driving program that never lets up. Tenor saxophonist Benny Golson (whose composition "Along Came Betty" is heard here, subsequently becoming a jazz classic), brilliant trumpeter Lee Morgan, and funky pianist Bobby Timmons (who wrote the hit title cut) each take some of the best solos of their great careers, and Blakey was never greater. No jazz record collection should be without this disc. It remains one of the premier items in Blue Note's catalog, and rightfully so. Skip Heller
Track List of Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers - Moanin'
1. Moanin'
2. Moanin' (Alternate Take)
3. Are You Real
4. Along Came Betty
5. The Drum Thunder Suite
6. Blues March
7. Come Rain Or Come Shine
Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
Original Release Date: October 30, 1958

Look more Art Blakey...