For
over six decades, saxophone master James Moody has serenaded lovers with his signature song Moody's
Mood for Love an improvisation on the chord progressions of I'm in the Mood for
Love.
Born in Savannah, Georgia on March 26, 1925, and
raised in Newark, New Jersey, James Moody took up the alto sax, a gift from his uncle, at
the age of 16. Within a few years he fell under the spell of the deeper more full-bodied
tenor saxophone after hearing Buddy Tate and Don Byas perform with the Count Basie Band at
the Adams Theater in Newark, New Jersey.
In 1946, following service in the United States Air
Force, Moody joined the seminal bebop big band of Dizzy Gillespie, beginning an
association that - on stage and record, in orchestras and small combos - afforded a young
Moody worldwide exposure and ample opportunity to shape his improvisational genius. Upon
joining Gillespie, Moody was at first awed, he now admits, by the orchestra's incredible
array of talent, which included Milt Jackson, Kenny Clark, Ray Brown, Thelonius Monk. The
encouragement of the legendary trumpeter-leader, made his mark on the young saxophonist.
His now legendary 16-bar solo on Gillespie's Emanon alerted jazz fans to an
emerging world-class soloist.
During his
initial stay with Gillespie, Moody also recorded with Milt Jackson for Dial Records in
1947. One year later he made his recording debut as a leader James Moody and His Bop
Men for (Blue Note).
In 1949 Moody moved to Europe where in Sweden he
recorded the masterpiece of improvisation for which he is renowned, Moody's Mood for
Love.
Returning to the States in 1952 with a huge
"hit" on his hands, Moody employed vocalist Eddie Jefferson. Also, working with
him during that period were Dinah Washington and Brook Benton.
In 1963 he rejoined Gillespie and performed off and
on in the trumpeter's quintet for the remainder of the decade.
Moody moved to Las Vegas in 1973 and had a seven
year stint in the Las Vegas Hilton Orchestra, doing shows for Bill Cosby, Ann-Margaret,
John Davidson, Glen Campbell, Liberace, Elvis Presley, The Osmonds, Milton Berle, Redd
Foxx, Charlie Rich, and Lou Rawls to name a few.
Moody returned to the East Coast and put together
his own band again - much to the delight of his dedicated fans. In 1985, Moody received a
Grammy Award Nomination for Best Jazz Instrumental Performance for his playing on
Manhattan Transfer's Vocalese album thus setting the stage for his re-emergence as
a major recording artist.
Moody's 1986 (RCA/NOVUS) debut Something
Special ended a decade-long major label recording hiatus for the versatile reedman.
His follow-up recording, Moving Forward showcased his hearty vocals on What Do
You Do and his interpretive woodwind wizardry on such tunes as Giant Steps and Autumn
Leaves.
Music is more than
a livelihood to Moody, so much so that portions of Sweet and Lovely, dedicated to
his wife, Linda, figured prominently in the saxophonist's wedding ceremony on April 3,
1989. As well as being on the album, Gillespie was best man at the wedding for his
longtime friend. The bride and groom walked down the aisle to Gillespie's solo on Con
Alma then everyone exited the church to the vamp on Melancholy Baby. As their
first act of marriage Linda and James Moody took communion accompanied by the groom's
recording of Sweet and Lovely. In 1990, Moody and Gillespie received a Grammy Award
Nomination for their rendition of Gillespie's Get the Booty, which showcases
scatting at its best. Moody returns the soprano sax to his woodwind arsenal on Honey,
his nickname for his wife, Linda, and Moody's last recording for (RCA/NOVUS).
On March 26th, 1995 Moody got the surprise of his
life with a birthday party in New York. It was an evening of historical significance for
Jazz with many guest stars and Bill Cosby as the emcee. It can be heard on Telarc's
recording, Moody's Party-- James Moody's 70th, Birthday Celebration, Live
at the Blue Note.
In 1995 Moody's (Warner Bros.) release of Young
at Heart, was a tribute to songs that are associated with Frank Sinatra. With an
orchestra and strings many people feel this is among the most beautiful of all James Moody
recordings.
Moody's
last
recording for Warner Bros. is Moody Plays Mancini which showcases Moody on all of
his horns and flute. A tribute to the American icon Henry Mancini.
Moody's 2004 release of Homage on the
Savoy Label has been a great cause for celebration. His first new studio
album in 6 years, the aptly named Homage is a tribute to Moody featuring new
tunes specially written for him by the likes of Joe Zawinul, Chick Corea, Kenny
Barron, Horace Silver, Herbie Hancock, David Hazeltine and Marc Copland.
Bob Belden produced the project.
Whether Moody is playing the soprano, alto, tenor,
or flute, he does so with deep resonance and wit. Moody has a healthy respect for
tradition, but takes great delight in discovering new musical paths, which makes him one
of the most consistently expressive and enduring figures in modern jazz today. To quote
Peter Watrous of the New York Times, "As a musical explorer, performer,
collaborator and composer he has made an indelible contribution to the rise of American
music as the dominant musical force of the twentieth century." James Moody plays
on Keilwerth saxophones exclusively.
