“Moanin'”
Song by Ray Charles
Ray Charles recorded his own version of Bobby Timmons’ instrumental jazz number “Moanin'” for his album Genius + Soul = Jazz. “Moanin'” is the third song on Side 1 of the LP, which was released in March 1961.
Known for its pleasant funkiness, “Moanin” had already been a hit and attracted attention towards Timmons. Ray Charles’ version is notable for his jettisoning the piano of Timmons’ version and playing an electric organ throughout.
The short, sharp shocks from Ray’s organ, with no decay, and the way his playing includes complex, virtuoso runs of notes, give this take on “Moanin'” an even funkier vibe than the original.
Quincy Jones arranged “Moanin'” for Ray, and this take includes trumpeter Phillip Guilbeau in addition to Count Basie’s band (as does much of the album). “Moanin'” moves through several parts – a quieter organ-led groove here, a trumpet solo there, and then a dramatic full-band flourish. Such masterful, attention-grabbing dynamism and interplay are what gives the legendary LP its status as a go-to document of jazz players at the top of their craft.
The blurb on the inside of the gatefold LP cover describes the song thusly:
3. MOANIN’
This recent jazz hit composed by Bobby Timmons is given lovely treatment here by the Basie men playing Quincy Jones’ arrangement. It features Ray’s organ solo and Phillip Guilbeau’s trumpet, although the ensemble dominates the piece.
Personally I think the role of “the Basie men” (who are undeniably great) is overstated here. Maybe it’s just because I tend to focus on Ray Charles himself, but that curious keyboard sound and style is what makes “Moanin'” what it is, in my estimation. The liner notes elsewhere acknowledge Ray’s playing in a little more detail, while also acting as a kind of apology for the use of such a non-traditional piece of equipment:
Always fascinated with the possibilities of the Hammond Organ, he shows once again what happens when a real jazz artist applies himself to a new situation. After the fine efforts of such stalwart organists as Jimmy Smith, Wild Bill Davis and others, it would be hard to imagine what else could be done on this seemingly cumbersome instrument. Charles, however, produces a completely different sound, and somehow manages to achieve a percussive effect which is rhythmically quite free. Also, there is a minimum of the blurred electronic “spilling” sounds that mar many jazz organ performances.
In other words, “Ray is ahead of you, so disregard your instrumental prejudices and try to keep up”.
The warm spirit and advanced jazz adeptness of Ray Charles radiate from “Moanin'”. Tough and self-possessed, Ray Charles was made of stronger stuff than the track’s unfortunate composer: Bobby Timmons, addicted to alcohol and heroin (much like Ray), saw his career head downward until his collapse in a bar in Malmö, Sweden and subsequent death from cirrhosis in 1974 at age 38.
Listen to “Moanin'”
Songs on Genius + Soul = Jazz