Bobby Timmons
According to musician/author Charley Gerard, "race played a central role in forming the religious identities of black jazz musicians. They steered clear of the religious establishment because they believed it to be so hopelessly enmeshed in social pasterns that have helped to maintain racially oppressive role and promote materialistic values." Pianist Bobby Timmons, seen here at a date at the Village Gate club in New York's Greenwich Village, is one of a number of jazzmen who have brought strong religious identity to their music. Timmons, who played with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers in the 50's was noted for infusing his music with gospel-inspired rhythms.
Part of the reason for the infusion of religious-influenced jazz is the African-American musicians' desire to retain their distinctiveness, both culturally and commercially at a time when white musicians earned much of the credit and the money from work that was either high derivative or flatly "white bread." Timmons said he enjoyed working with Blakey in large part because of his recognition of and leadership in this challenge.
Writer Nancy Thompson