Although he was born in Savannah, Georgia in 1925, James Moody was raised in Newark, and because of that, he’s one of our Favorite Sons. His humanity and musicality contributed whole books to the jazz world. His ongoing spirit is alive today, with the annual festival that bears his name, each November in Newark.
His creativity is documented on countless recordings; but to see Moody Live! Now that was the real treat! One such celebration, captured live at The Blue Note on May 26, 2005, marked Moody’s 80th birthday, and released here for the very first time. Moody on tenor sax, flute and voice, is joined by a stellar cast of musical friends, including pianists David Hazeltine and Cedar Walton, trumpeters Jon Faddis & Randy Brecker, trombonist Slide Hampton, clarinetist & saxophonist Paquito D'Rivera, bassist Todd Coolman and drummer Adam Nussbaum.
The audience on hand included jazz legends, sports figures, TV personalities and fans, all gathering to get a feel of Moody's mood for love and life.
A Centennial celebration of James Moody happens on May 27th at Sony Hall in New York. Visit the Sony Hall website for the list of performers to be on hand.
Listen each weekday morning @ 8:20 to get a taste of what a Moody party is all about!
