RELEASE DATE: MAY 16th 2025
It’s an absolute thrill to share the memories of an unforgettable night-James Moody’s 80th birthday celebration at the legendary Blue Note in New York City in 2005. This was the grand finale of a weeklong celebration that had already featured amazing performances from jazz giants like Jimmy Heath, Ray Barretto, Mike Longo, and George Wein. This live recording featuring Jon Faddis, Paquito D’Rivera, Slide Hampton, Randy Brecker, Roberta Gambarini and Cedar Walton is a true tribute to the extraordinary talent surrounding Moody that night.
1. INTRODUCTION (GEORGE WEIN) :18
2. BENNY’S FROM HEAVEN 10:56
3. CHEROKEE 7:53
4. MOODY’S MOOD FOR LOVE / THE TELEVISION RAP 4:32
5. MOODY SPEAKS :53
6. BIRK’S WORKS 13:44
7. BEBOP 13:55
8. HAPPY BIRTHDAY :31
9. OW 9:04
JAMES MOODY
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.
AWARDS
Grammy: Best Jazz Instrumental Album, Individual or Group:4B on
IPO Recordings – (2010))
Harvard University Jazz Master 2010: Harvard College, Drew Faust, President, Cambridge, Massachusetts, – (March 10, 2010))
Grammy Nominee: Best Jazz Instrumental Solo, from Live At The 2007 Monterey Jazz
Contact Info
linda@jamesmoody.com
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