Listen to: Moanin'

When I first started this blog, I recommended everyone to listen to Led Zeppelin III. This album is sonically distinct among Led Zeppelin's catalog. I think it's a fresh take on a genre that can seem bloated and middle-aged.

Today I recommend Moanin' by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. While this is out of my standard Rock and Rap repertoire, I think Moanin' is essential listening for any music fan. Simply put, Moanin' is a fun album that can serve as an introduction to a massive and rewarding genre of music, Jazz.

Is it just me, or does Art look like Michael K. Williams?

Before I listened to Moanin', I thought jazz seemed pretentious, impenetrable and boring. But Moanin' is what jazz musicians call a Hard Bop album. Basically, Hard Bop musicians wanted to be the best, but they still wanted their music to reach the ears of the common man. hard bop jazz works so well because it is versatile and can be listened to in any situation. It's a stimulating listen in the car, great mood music for a party. Moanin' is a great way to trick people into thinking you are sophisticated.

The thing I find remarkable about this album is its ability to explore different facets of jazz while remaining a cohesive and entertaining whole. The title track "Moanin'" is a slinky number that shows the virtuosity of the Jazz Messengers while maintaining an easy, danceable beat. "Are You Real" is a fast-paced romp with dazzling solos and "Blues March" represents a return to the simpler roots of jazz.

"The Thunder Drum Suite" is a truly epic track. The drums start off slowly but soon are at a fast-paced, primal roll. Blakey, with all his skill, manages to make an 8-minute drum solo not only listenable but exciting. 

Give Moanin' a shot. Click the video above and listen for five minutes. Worst case scenario, you waste five minutes. Best case, you will find a new genre of music to love.