A hard bop classic composed by Benny Golson in 1958, reportedly inspired by a woman he was dating at the time. Golson is one of the most important composers in jazz history, responsible for standards such as "I Remember Clifford," "Killer Joe," "Blues March," and "Whisper Not."
The tune is a 32-bar AABA form played at a medium swing tempo. Its long, sinuous melody line is the defining feature — lyrical and beguiling, with a rhythmic subtlety that rewards careful phrasing. The harmony offers a variety of colors and chromatic movement that stimulate creative improvisation, making it a favorite among saxophonists, pianists, and guitarists alike.
The original recording appears on Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers' landmark album Moanin' (1958, Blue Note), featuring Lee Morgan (trumpet), Golson (tenor sax), Bobby Timmons (piano), and Jymie Merritt (bass). This album is widely regarded as one of the quintessential hard bop recordings of all time.
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