Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, Moanin’ | Throwback Vibez

In the 10^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we recollect and reflect on “Moanin’” by Lambert, Hendricks & Ross.

Can you feel those vibes, those surefire Throwback Vibez?! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past. Ah, there is nothing like a good oldie to get you fired up! The records featured in this column feature gems from the 20th century, with a few exceptions. All genres of music are welcome. In the 10th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we recollect and reflect on “Moanin’” performed by Lambert, Hendricks & Ross.

Yes, Lord, indeed, Lambert, Hendricks & Ross! The talented trio was comprised of Dave Lambert (1917 – 1966), Jon Hendricks (1921 – 2017), and Annie Ross (1930 – 2020). “Moanin’” is the second track from their fourth studio album, The Hottest New Group in Jazz, released in 1959.  The standard was written by the short-lived jazz pianist Bobby Timmons (1935 – 1974).  Hendricks added the lyrics excerpted above. Notably, “Moanin’” is written in call and response form, save for the bridge.

“Moanin’” is a succinct but entertaining two-and-a-half-minute-long joint. Jon Hendricks leads the charge with his cool, expressive, and playful lead vocals. Dave Lambert and Annie Ross provide a formidable response (“Yes Lord”). Their vocal harmonies are locked in and pitch-perfect. The first bridge (the B section) is the sugar honey iced tea, with all three vocalists showing off their exceptional skill, tone, etc.

“Lord, I spend plenty of days and nights

Alone with my grief, alone with my grief

Lord, I pray, I really and truly pray

Somebody will come and make me believe.”

Ooh-wee! Lambert, Hendricks & Ross aren’t the only ones putting in work. They are accompanied by a tight rhythm section comprised of Gildo Mahones (1929 – 2018, piano), Ike Isaacs (1923 – 1981, bass), and Walter Bolden (1925 – 2002, drums). Beyond the skills of Mahones, Isaacs, and Bolden, Harry “Sweets” Edison (1915 – 1999) impresses with a stellar muted trumpet solo. Mahones comps his heart out on the keys, Isaacs walks the bass fiercely, while Bolden adds color with his drumming. The second bridge contrasts with the first. Specifically, I love it when Ross ascends into her impressive upper register. It is angelic! Another selling point is how the pianist (Mahones) digs in towards the end.  Also, Sweets gets in there too with another awesome muted trumpet solo. This one is more rhythmic and more ornate.  All told, “Moanin’”, in the hands of Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, is nothing short of epic. Yes, it’s brief, but it’s potent, baby!

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Lambert, Hendricks & Ross » The Hottest New Group in Jazz » Columbia » 1959

Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, Moanin’: Throwback Vibez No. 10 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Columbia; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Gordon Johnson, schubinger from Pixabay]

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