Nostalgia in Times Square Album

Nostalgia in Times Square album is a grand tribute to one of jazz's finest bass players. The second track on the album is Mingus' "Moanin'," and is the most energetic of the collection. A veritable army of musicians receives credit on the track for their work in the multilayered, textural work of progressive-modern big band jazz. Of particular note on "Moanin'" is Ronnie Cuber, baritone saxophone player who opens, carries and punctuates the song. Trumpeters Randy Brecker, Ryan Kisor, and KAck Walrath also shine, as do the triple whammy of trombonists, Art Baron, Frank Lacy, and Dave Taylor. Chris Potter, Craig Handy, and John Stubblefield offer tenor saxophone interludes, and Steve Slagle slips in some alto. Honoring the great Mingus himself, the big band bass line is carried steadily by Andy McKee and Marvin "Smitty" Smith completes the rhythm section.

"Moanin'" is relatively a straightforward jazz piece with a 4/4 time signature. However, the walking bass line and especially the many layers of horns and woodwinds add depth and complexity. McKee plays a dedicated walking bass line throughout the song. Twice during the song, the band stops, proving how tight the rhythm section is together with the rest of the big band. The sheer number of horns might signal cacophony. Yet at no point do the collection of horns and saxophones sound like dead birds. The musicians are skillful, deft at what they do. The baritone sax carries the main melody almost throughout the whole tune, as if it were a vocalist. When the baritone takes a break, the much softer sounds of the alto sax come in at the middle for a delightful melody. All the while the rhythm section remains steady. The drummer keeps time on the cymbals, riding the high hat quite a bit. However, he uses the kick drum to open the song.

Repetitive elements link the song together, which enhances the listening experience. What remains remarkable about "Moanin'" is how complicated the song sounds at first listen and how simple it becomes after that because the riffs become recognizable. For example, the song opens with the baritone saxophone alone. The riff that the sax plays is repeated at several times during the piece, including a third of the way in, then at coda of the piece, about 7:50 minutes in. In fact, the baritone riff can be heard throughout the song.

The big band nature of the music is apparent as well. Trumpet blasts, walking bass lines, high hats, and the tenor saxophone solos all point to big band sensibilities. Moreover, all the instruments reach a pleasant crescendo with climactic trumpet blasts. After the second false finish, the song ends in earnest. A lingering note on the bass resounds in the listener's ear.

Trombones feature prominently in "Moanin'." Especially at the opening, when the instruments come in one at a time, the trombones offer their characteristic moans. Then the entire big band comes in, as if each instrument plays its own melody while latching onto a common ground that is provided by the rhythm section. Trumpets offer generous midrange. At times a soloist will emerge on top. The drummer retains the gentle jazzy rhythm, riding the high hat until the kick is needed for reinforcement or to signal a new section of the song.