This limited edition vinyl LP pressing of Moanin’ by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers captures the band's third incarnation—a lineup featuring trumpeter Lee Morgan, tenor saxophonist Benny Golson, pianist Bobby Timmons, and bassist Jymie Merritt. Originally self-titled, the 1958 masterpiece was later renamed after Timmons’ soulful opening track became an instant hit. The album serves as the perfect crystallization of the group’s bluesy sound and remains perhaps the most quintessential hard bop recording of all time. In addition to the title track, the set introduced several indelible Golson compositions that became jazz standards, including “Along Came Betty” and “Blues March,” as well as the bonus tracks “Whisper Not” and “I Remember Clifford,” the latter a moving tribute to trumpeter Clifford Brown.

Label: Number One Essentials

Release Year: 2025

Track List: 

1. Moanin’
2. Are You Real
3. Along Came Betty
4. The Drum Thunder Suite
5. Blues March
6. Come Rain Or Come Shine