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Pretty Memory contains that magical funky melodic and rhythmic interest and drive that is so much a part of Bobby Timmons's writing. Our audio excerpt starts at the melody pick up, but the 12/8 Latin feel rhythm section intro set up is notated in the C treble clef lead sheet. This eight-measure intro section is also part of each solo chorus.
After Bobby Timmons recorded his hit This Here (Dis' Here) with Cannonball Adderley in 1959, Bobby was invited to play and bring his original composition Pretty Memory to Cannonball's brother Nat's "Work Song" Riverside date just a little over three months later. Bobby also recorded Pretty Memory on his own Riverside trio album "Easy Does It" the following year.
In one of his rare appearances as a sideman in a small-group setting, Wes Montgomery is heard in strong form, nailing the phrasing of Timmons' funky melody in unison with Nat Adderley. Montgomery also takes a deeply swinging solo, digging into the time with swagger and uncorking some lyrical triplet lines that push the tune forward.
While Wes doesn't play it on the recording, our guitar part includes Sam Jones' cello part, which fits neatly onto the guitar's register, allowing guitarists to fill that role in an ensemble setting.
A beloved pianist with one of the most easily recognizable styles, Bobby Timmons is responsible not only for bringing his unique gospel-tinged voice to the piano, but also for his funky compositional masterpieces that have become jazz standards, like Moanin’ and This Here (Dis Here). These two are by no means the only memorable original works of Bobby’s—nearly all of his works are instantly recognizable as Bobby Timmons originals, as they all have his signature style of soul, funk, and gospel, while maintaining the hallmarks of true hard-bop jazz.
Born in Philadelphia to a religious family, Bobby studied piano with his uncle, who also taught McCoy Tyner. He moved to New York at age 20 to start his recording career with Kenny Dorham’s Jazz Prophets. Read more...
