MOANIN' - Free Jazz Leadsheet

“Moanin’” is a landmark hard bop composition written by pianist Bobby Timmons and first recorded on October 30, 1958, by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers. Its soulful, blues-soaked call-and-response theme and gospel-influenced harmony helped shape the sound of hard bop and quickly established the tune as a jazz standard. Driven by a simple yet powerful piano riff, the infectious groove captures the raw energy and spirit of late-1950s small-group jazz.

The original recording features Art Blakey on drums, a young Lee Morgan on trumpet, Benny Golson on tenor saxophone, Jymie Merritt on bass, and Timmons on piano. Blending blues, swing, and gospel influences, the performance anchors the album’s title track and helped make the Blue Note release one of the most iconic jazz records of its era. “Moanin’” has since been widely recorded and remains a cornerstone of the jazz repertoire, admired for its emotional depth and lasting influence.