That celestial star that was James Moody began its rise a few years after he was discharged from the segregated US Army Air Corps where he had joined the “negro band” in 1943. Upon his discharge in 1948 and, compelled by the rhythmic seduction of bebop, Mr Moody joined Dizzy Gillespie’s band. There he made his mark, playing with Dizzy for two years, before he made his first long playing record in Stockholm, Sweden.
With this debut album James Moody and his Modernists [Blue Note, 1952] the die was cast, and Mr Moody was propelled – saxophones and flute in toe – into a musical world where he came to be known as one of its proverbial wonders, appearing on almost 100 albums – more than 50 as leader – in a stellar career that only ended with his death in 2010. In March 2025 his wife Linda, a zealous keeper of the flame shepherded Mr Moody’s Centennial. A slew of concerts followed, including a party that marked the release of the NEA Jazz Master’s 80 Years Young, Live at the Blue Note – March 26, 2005.
Ten years prior to that party was one entitled Moody’s Party – Celebrating James Moody’s 70th Birthday Live at the Blue Note [Telarc, 1995]. Linda Moody’s production celebrating Mr Moody’s 80th birthday is every bit as effervescent and memorable a recording as ever. There is a real sense of discovery about the playing of Mr Moody and the nonet that come to the party. This is no mean feat given that this is such familiar repertoire. And all the performers are indeed eager to share their delight with us, to bring our attention myriad details of this wonderful music.
This is mostly bebopping fare, something that Mr Moody was expertly schooled in, both as a bandleader and a virtuoso saxophonist and flutist – a remarkable achievement considering that the incomparable musician was partially deaf. This repertoire is no doubt aimed to intensify the potency of bebop. The album contains two of the saxophonist’s most adorable – and eternal – charts: Benny’s From Heaven [a masterful revisitation of Johnny Burke and Arthur Johnston’s Pennies From Heaven] and Moody’s Mood For Love [that unforgettable reimagining of Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields’ I’m In The Mood For Love], and the saxophonist’s adoring love song to his wife, Linda, [with vocalese written by Eddie Jefferson].
Both Mr Moody sings lyrics on both songs. Once asked about his regular performance of the latter song he once said “If I don’t [perform] it… I may as well not show up…” It’s hardly likely that listeners will begrudge the performance of Moody’ Mood For Love on this album – or Benny’s From Heaven, or, indeed, any of the other music to celebrate his 80th birthday. Featuring beautifully crafted arrangements of beguiling variety and sensuousness in every lovingly caressed phrase of 80 Years Young, Live at the Blue Note, Mr Moody’s love for music shines brightly.
The chosen material is – as mentioned earlier – familiar bebop fare, with one exception [Ow] a relative rarity that breaks with the tempo of bebop. Listening to the way in which Mr Moody seductively bends the notes in Cherokee and in Birks Works, and how he sculpts the long, sustained inventions of Bebop and Ow – not to mention of Benny’s From Heaven and Moody’s Mood For Love – it’s clear that there’s not a semiquaver that hasn’t been fastidiously considered. Mr Moody continues to ring in the changes in narrative, and in mood, structure and tempo, making for a continuously arresting programme. The considerable degree of balance and integration, of melody, harmony and rhythm, of composition and improvisation, of exploration, individuality and tradition is impressively maintained throughout.
Featuring members of his longtime rhythm section pianist David Hazeltine and bassist Todd Coolman, together with the superb drummer Adam Nussbaum, and a super constellation of guests – trumpeters Jon Faddis and Randy Brecker, trombonist Slide Hampton, clarinetist and alto saxophonist Paquito D’Rivera, and pianist Cedar Walton [on Ow] it’s clear that every performer is completely attuned to r Moody’s vision and artistry. The volcanic talents of each of the musicians bubbles and crackles through the programme which is also replete with theatrical tautness and élan. Certainly, an album to die for…
Deo Gratis…
Music – 1. Introduction [George Wein]; 2. Benny’s From Heaven; 3. Cherokee; 4. Moody’s Mood For Love/The Television Rap; 5. Moody Speaks; 6. Birks Works; 7. Bebop; 8. Happy Birthday; 9. Ow.
Musicians – James Moody: tenor saxophone, flute and voice; David Hazeltine: piano; Todd Coolman: contrabass; Adam Nussbaum: drums; Jon Faddis: trumpet [6 – 9]; Paquito D’Rivera: clarinet and alto saxophone [6 – 9]; Slide Hampton: trombone [6 – 9]; Randy Brecker: trumpet [7 – 9]; Cedar Walton: piano [9]; George Wein: Master of Ceremonies.
Released: 2025
Origin Records Origin 82920
[jamesmoody.com]
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