Author: T Y

Bobby Timmons: “Moanin'” on Organ from From the Bottom

Bobby Timmons is best known for his soulful touch on the piano, but his 1964 recording of “Moanin'” on the organ from the album From the Bottom offers a rare glimpse into his versatility as a musician. Originally composed by Timmons and popularized during his time with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, “Moanin'” has become a soul jazz anthem. However, this version stands out for its unique flavor, as Timmons shifts from the keys of the piano to the warm, swirling tones of the organ.

The organ lends a different energy to “Moanin'”, transforming the tune’s signature gospel-inspired riff into something deeper and more immersive. The rich harmonics and sustained notes create a feeling of groove and space, bringing a new dimension to the familiar melody. While the original recording with Blakey was tight and punchy, this rendition breathes a bit more, allowing the listener to savor the richness of each note.

The album From the Bottom may not have gained the same acclaim as some of Timmons’ other works, but for fans of soul jazz, it’s a hidden gem. Hearing him reinterpret “Moanin'” on the organ provides a fresh perspective on a classic, showcasing Timmons’ ability to blend the spirit of jazz with the deep resonance of gospel music. This track is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the depth and warmth that only a Hammond organ can bring to jazz.

Celebrating Bobby Timmons: The Soulful Architect of Jazz and His Iconic Composition “This Here”

When we think of jazz that grooves deeply and resonates with emotional clarity, the name Bobby Timmons often comes to mind. A pianist whose work helped define the sound of soul jazz in the late 1950s and 1960s, Timmons carved a space for himself in the jazz world with his unique blend of gospel, blues, and bebop. One of his most iconic compositions, “This Here,” is a testament to his ability to create music that is both profound and accessible. Let’s delve into the life of Bobby Timmons and the lasting impact of his signature tune, “This Here.”

The Rise of Bobby Timmons: A Brief Biography

Born on December 19, 1935, in Philadelphia, Bobby Timmons grew up surrounded by music. His mother, a piano teacher, introduced him to the instrument at a young age. By the time he reached his teens, Timmons was already known for his technical prowess and soulful touch on the keys. After studying at the Philadelphia Musical Academy, he began his professional career, playing with some of the biggest names in jazz.

In 1956, Timmons moved to New York City, where his career truly took off. He quickly found himself working with legends like Art Blakey, Cannonball Adderley, and Chet Baker. Timmons became a key figure in Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, a group known for pioneering the soul jazz movement. It was during his time with these jazz greats that Timmons introduced compositions that would define his legacy, including “Moanin’,” “Dat Dere,” and of course, “This Here.”

The Story Behind “This Here”

“This Here,” sometimes referred to as “Dis Here,” was composed in 1959 during Timmons’ tenure with the Cannonball Adderley Quintet. The song is a perfect encapsulation of Timmons’ signature style—melding gospel influences with a driving, infectious groove. “This Here” was first performed live at the Jazz Workshop in San Francisco and was an instant hit. It quickly became a staple in the Quintet’s performances, gaining widespread popularity among jazz fans and helping to solidify Timmons’ reputation as a composer who could create pieces that resonated both musically and emotionally.

The song’s rhythm is built around a gospel-style vamp, a repetitive groove that makes listeners want to clap their hands and stomp their feet. Timmons drew inspiration from the sounds of the Black church, aiming to bring that energy into the jazz club scene. As the piece unfolds, it blends the call-and-response elements of gospel with the improvisational flair of bebop, resulting in a tune that is both joyful and deeply moving.

A Groove Like No Other: The Sound of “This Here”

“This Here” is known for its upbeat, joyful spirit, but it’s also marked by an underlying complexity that makes it a favorite among jazz enthusiasts and musicians alike. The song opens with a catchy, syncopated piano riff that serves as the backbone of the composition. Timmons’ left hand lays down a solid rhythmic foundation while his right hand plays with melodic phrases that blend bluesy runs with gospel-like cadences.

Cannonball Adderley’s alto saxophone and Nat Adderley’s cornet add layers of warmth and excitement to the track, weaving in and out of Timmons’ groove with ease. As the band builds in intensity, Timmons’ piano solo showcases his ability to balance technical skill with soulfulness, dancing between chords with a light touch that still manages to feel grounded and earthy. The result is a song that feels like a conversation—inviting listeners to engage, react, and move to the rhythm.

The Legacy of “This Here” and Bobby Timmons

“This Here” was more than just a song; it was a cultural moment. It brought a new sense of vibrancy to the jazz scene, where musicians were increasingly drawing inspiration from the blues and gospel roots of African American music. For Timmons, the success of “This Here” was a turning point. It allowed him to release his own albums as a bandleader and further explore the soul jazz style he loved so much.

Timmons’ work, including “This Here,” left a lasting imprint on jazz, particularly in the way it welcomed a wider audience into the genre. While jazz in the late 1950s and early 1960s could sometimes feel like an exclusive club for aficionados, Timmons’ compositions broke down those barriers. Songs like “This Here” were just as likely to be heard in a packed jazz club as they were in living rooms, where people could feel the groove even if they didn’t understand all of the technicalities.

Unfortunately, Bobby Timmons’ career was cut short when he passed away in 1974 at the age of 38. However, his influence endures. Artists across the spectrum of jazz continue to draw inspiration from his soulful melodies and rhythmic drive. And while Timmons may not have achieved the mainstream fame of some of his contemporaries, those who know his work recognize him as a crucial architect of the sound that defined a generation.

Conclusion: Why “This Here” Still Matters

In the annals of jazz history, Bobby Timmons stands out as a musician who could translate deep emotional truths into the language of rhythm and melody. “This Here” remains one of his most enduring contributions to the world of music—a song that invites you in, makes you tap your feet, and leaves you feeling uplifted. It’s a reminder that jazz, at its best, is not just an intellectual exercise but a celebration of life’s joys, struggles, and spirit.

So next time you’re looking for a track that captures the essence of soul jazz, cue up “This Here” and let Bobby Timmons take you on a journey through the sounds of gospel, blues, and bebop. It’s a trip worth taking, and one that might just remind you why jazz, even decades later, continues to inspire and move us.