Search - James Moody :: At the Jazz Workshop

Moody's Blues Mood

nadav haber | jerusalem Israel | 08/11/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is just a wonderful Jazz CD. I found so many things in it ! It has Moody's wonderful playing on Alto, Tenor and Flute. It Has Eddie Jefferson's vocals on two tracks. It has a supporting band that provides a perfect backing for Moody. It has plenty of blues tracks, along with a ballad (Round Midnight), Stablemates, and of Course Moody's Mood for Love.
But above all it is Moody's playing. He has such clear phrasing and sound, such beautiful ideas, and such control of the saxophone, that I believe all reed player should listen to and learn from. I love the blues and Moody is certainly one of the best blues players I have heard.
I recommend the CD to all who love Jazz, Blues, or great saxophone sounds."

This live date is a feast!

Greenlight | Vermont | 07/14/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've heard two of the live dates that have been reissued on Chess Jazz -- this one documenting Moody and another of Ahmad Jamal -- and both have been really great discoveries. Compared to a lot of the OJC reissues, where a typical live disc might offer one truly memorable tune, this date, recorded in San Francisco in '61, is three-quarters excellent.



When Moody takes a solo he'll, in the very same breath, blow as sweet as Paul Desmond, as fast as Cannonball Adderley, and as wild as the 'Trane. His glancing, skipping runs -- like on "It Might As Well Be Spring" -- surprise you with their suppleness just about every measure of the way.



And Eddie Jefferson (who wrote the lyrics for "Moody's Mood for Love" and sings on three tracks) added all the more infectious buoyancy to this band. EJ had a more playful imagination than even Louis Prima. His wordplay was less about shtick than giddiness. Even 40 years on, you won't find his numbers dated. It's a sure bet they'll be giving listeners astounded belly laughs for decades more to come."