Showing posts with label James Moody. Show all posts
Showing posts with label James Moody. Show all posts

Saturday, June 15, 2024

Dianne Reeves - The Grand Encounter

Styles: Vocal Jazz 
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:26
Size: 116,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:01)  1. Old Country
(3:23)  2. Cherokee
(8:12)  3. Besame Mucho
(3:46)  4. Let Me Love You
(4:54)  5. Tenderly
(6:06)  6. After Hours
(3:27)  7. Ha!
(5:24)  8. Some Other Spring
(5:08)  9. Side By Side
(4:59) 10. I'm Okay

This CD could have been titled Finally! Dianne Reeves has long had the potential to be the top female jazz singer, but so many of her previous recordings were erratic as she skipped back and forth between idioms without committing herself. However, after years of flirting with jazz and being seemingly undecided whether she would rather be a pop star, she at last came out with a full jazz album in 1996, and it is a gem. The supporting cast on the ten selections (which feature different personnel on each cut) is remarkable and everyone gets a chance to play: trumpeters Clark Terry and Harry "Sweets" Edison, altoists Phil Woods and Bobby Watson, tenorman James Moody, trombonist Al Grey, harmonica great Toots Thielemans (on "Besame Mucho"), pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Rodney Whitaker, and drummer Herlin Riley.

In addition, Joe Williams shares the vocal spotlight on "Let Me Love You" and a touching version of "Tenderly," Germaine Bazzle sings along with Reeves on "Side by Side," and a rendition of Charlie Ventura's "Ha!" has a vocal group consisting of Reeves, Bazzle, Terry, Moody, and the young Kimberley Longstreth. Other highlights include Nat Adderley's "Old Country," "Some Other Spring," and "Cherokee." Despite the heavy "competition," the leader emerges as the star of the set due to her beautiful voice and highly expressive singing. This highly recommended CD is the Dianne Reeves release to get. By Scott Yanow
https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-grand-encounter-mw0000081516

Personnel: Vocals – Dianne Reeves, Germaine Bazzle, Joe Williams , Kimberley Longstreth; Vocals, Tenor Saxophone – James Moody; Vocals, Trumpet – Clark Terry ; Alto Saxophone – Bobby Watson , Phil Woods; Bass – Rodney Whitaker; Drums – Herlin Riley; Harmonica – Toots Thielemans; Piano – Kenny Barron; Trombone – Al Grey ; Trumpet – Harry "Sweets" Edison

The Grand Encounter

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Dizzy Gillespie, The Double Six Of Paris - Dizzy Gillespie & The Double Six Of Paris

Styles: Trumpet Jazz,Vocal, Bop
Year: 1963
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:02
Size: 91,1 MB
Art: Front

(3:45)  1. Emanon
(2:46)  2. Anthropology
(4:16)  3. Tin Tin Deo
(3:28)  4. One Bass Hit
(3:31)  5. Two Bass Hit
(2:28)  6. Groovin' High
(3:05)  7. Oo-Shoo-Be-Doo-Be
(3:02)  8. Hot House
(3:36)  9. Con Alma
(3:10) 10. Blue 'N' Boogie
(3:08) 11. The Champ
(2:44) 12. Ow

This odd but successful pairing finds the Double Six of Paris singing vocalese in French to a dozen bebop classics associated with Dizzy Gillespie. Gillespie, with pianist Bud Powell and a rhythm section, take solos that uplift this date; two songs feature his quintet (with James Moody on alto). Not for all tastes, but this is a unique and colorful addition to Gillespie's discography.By Scott Yanow
https://www.allmusic.com/album/dizzy-gillespie-the-double-six-of-paris-mw0000649530

Personnel: Trumpet – Dizzy Gillespie; Bass – Chris White , Pierre Michelot; Drums – Kenny Clark, Rudy Collins;  Ensemble – The Double Six Of Paris; Piano – Bud Powell, Kenny Barron; Tenor Saxophone – James Moody;  Vocals – Christiane Legrand, Claudine Barge, Eddy Louis, Jean-Claude Briodin, Mimi Perrin, Robert Smart, Ward Swingle

Dizzy Gillespie & The Double Six Of Paris

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

James Moody - The Teachers

Styles: Flute, Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1970
File: MP3@256K/s
Time: 39:34
Size: 73,2 MB
Art: Front

(8:04) 1. The Teachers
(2:05) 2. Rest Sweetly, Brother Dove
(6:06) 3. Unchained
(4:34) 4. The New Spirit
(3:41) 5. Hello Goodbye
(5:32) 6. Behind Every Good Man
(9:28) 7. Street Talk Suite

We've always been enormous fans of this LP, which features Moody backed by The Albert, a "progressive" funk/rock group. This Perception release is a righteous concept LP dedicated to "revolution" and "change". And more importantly, there is indeed some totally righteous playing here, with the standout groovers being "Unchained" and "The Teachers". Very cool die-cut gatefold, suitable for framing.© 1996-2023, Dusty Groove, Inc.
https://www.dustygroove.com/item/3642/James-Moody:Teachers

Personnel: Flute, Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – James Moody; Guitar – Paul Dickler, Steve McCord; Piano – William Chelf; Piano, Organ, Drums, Producer – Howard Wyeth; Tenor Saxophone – Joe Brazil; Trombone, Producer – Michael Gibson; Trumpet – Bob Summers , Jay Silva, Jay Thomas, Richard Meisterman; Tuba – Adam Ippolito; Valve Trombone, Producer – Jon Huston

The Teachers

Saturday, June 18, 2022

Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band - I'm BeBoppin' Too

Styles: Jazz, Big Band
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:16
Size: 157,1 MB
Art: Front

(2:37) 1. I'm BeBoppin' Too
(5:08) 2. Cool Breeze
(7:37) 3. Round Midnight
(5:38) 4. Manteca
(4:52) 5. Birks Works
(7:12) 6. If You Could See Me Now
(4:38) 7. Dizzy's Blues
(7:45) 8. Una Mas
(6:00) 9. I Can't Get Started
(4:55) 10. One Bass Hit
(6:19) 11. Tin Tin Deo
(5:30) 12. Lover Come Back To Me

Tribute bands are often bland affairs, because they become too predictable, while often omitting any artists who played with the deceased artist. Fortunately, this third CD by the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band mixes veterans who worked with the trumpeter and talented younger players who acquit themselves very well. Trombonist Slide Hampton contributed a fresh chart of Dizzy's "Manteca" that is a bit more introspective and less percussive and shouting, with potent solos by pianist Cyrus Chestnut. Tenor saxophonist Jimmy Heath scored the subtle, hip treatment of Kenny Dorham's "Una Mas," showcasing alto saxophonist Mark Gross, trombonist Douglas Purviance, and baritonist Gary Smulyan.

Vocalist Roberta Gambarini's solid performance of "'Round Midnight" (and Hampton's fresh arrangement) trump those who claim that this landmark Thelonious Monk composition is recorded all too often; there is always room for a top-notch recording such as this one. Gambarini also guests in Heath's setting of Tadd Dameron's bittersweet ballad "If You Could Seem Me Now" and Hampton's snappy setting of "Lover, Come Back to Me." Nor should the brass players be overlooked: Roy Hargrove's lush playing in "I Can't Get Started," plus his comic vocal in the jive piece "I'm BeBoppin' Too," are complemented by Greg Gisbert's searing trumpet and Michael Dease's brief, effective trombone solo. Recommended.~Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/im-beboppin-too-mw0000820620

Personnel: Slide Hampton - musical director, trombone; James Moody - tenor sax, flute, vocals; Jimmy Heath - tenor sax; Antonio Hart - lead alto sax, flute; Gary Smulyan - baritone sax; Frank Greene - lead trumpet; Greg Gisbert - trumpet; Roy Hargrove - trumpet, vocals; Claudio Roditi - trumpet; Jason Jackson - lead trombone; Steve Davis - trombone; Michael Dease - trombone; Douglas Purviance - bass trombone; Cyrus Chestnut - piano; John Lee - bass, executive director; Lewis Nash - drums; Roberta Gambarini – vocals

I'm BeBoppin'Too

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Gene Harris And The Philip Morris Superband - Live At Town Hall, N.Y.C.

Styles: Piano Jazz, Big Band
Year: 1989
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:39
Size: 151,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:41)  1. The Surrey With The Fringe On Top
(4:42)  2. Creme De Menthe
(4:25)  3. When It's Sleepy Time Down South
(5:31)  4. Love Is Here To Stay
(6:39)  5. I'm Just A Lucky So And So
(6:41)  6. Serious Grease
(4:14)  7. Like A Lover
(5:05)  8. Old Man River
(5:57)  9. Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans
(6:26) 10. Porgy And Bess Medley: Strawberry Woman / I Loves You Porgy / It Ain't Necessarily So
(3:18) 11. You're My Everything
(3:48) 12. There Is No Greater Love
(4:06) 13. Things Ain't What They Used To Be

This CD documents one of the first concerts by Gene Harris' star-studded big band, an orchestra heard at the beginning of an 80-day world tour. Unlike his earlier big band Basie tribute album, Harris is not the only musician to get significant solo space on this set although, due to the overflowing lineup, not enough is heard from everyone. The straightforward arrangements (by John Clayton, Frank Wess, Torrie Zito, Bob Pronk and Lex Jasper) balance swingers with ballads. Among the more memorable tracks are Harry "Sweets" Edison's feature (both muted and open) on "Sleepy Time Down South," a pair of fine vocals apiece by Ernie Andrews and Ernestine Anderson, the roaring "Old Man River" and Harris' interpretation of Erroll Garner's ballad "Creme de Menthe." Toss in short solos from the likes of Ralph Moore, James Morrison (on trombone), Frank Wess, Michael Mossman and baritonist Gary Smulyan and the result is a satisfying, swinging and fairly fresh big band date.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/live-at-town-hall-nyc-mw0000202851

Personnel:  Alto Saxophone, Flute – Frank Wess, Jerry Dodgion;  Baritone Saxophone – Gary Smulyan;  Bass – Ray Brown;  Bass Trombone – Paul Faulise;  Drums – Jeff Hamilton;  Guitar – Herb Ellis;  Piano – Gene Harris;  Tenor Saxophone – Ralph Moore ;  Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet – James Moody; Trombone – Eddie Bert, James Morrison, Urbie Green;  Trumpet – Harry "Sweets" Edison, Joe Mosello, Johnny Coles, Michael Philip Mossman;  Vocals – Ernestine Anderson, Ernie Andrews .

Live At Town Hall, N.Y.C.

Saturday, May 7, 2022

Dave Brubeck - Young Lions & Old Tigers

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:28
Size: 146,0 MB
Art: Front

(5:29)  1. Roy Hargrove
(2:33)  2. How High the Moon
(4:57)  3. Michael Brecker Waltz
(3:27)  4. Here Comes McBride
(3:51)  5. Joe Lovano Tango
(7:52)  6. In Your Own Sweet Way
(6:22)  7. Joshua Redman
(5:43)  8. Together
(6:59)  9. Moody
(4:46) 10. Gerry-Go-Round
(6:43) 11. Ronnie Buttacavoli
(4:41) 12. Deep in a Dream

To celebrate his 75th birthday, Dave Brubeck recorded one number apiece with quite a variety of top jazz stars, both young and old. Some of the performances (which alternate duets with quartets) work better than others (eight are recent Brubeck compositions) but all of the musicians display mutual respect, and it is obvious that the guests are all fans of the still-masterful pianist. Trumpeter Roy Hargrove plays beautifully on his lyrical feature but Jon Hendricks, who sings "How High the Moon" as a ballad, takes it at such a slow tempo as to be dreary. Tenor-saxophonist Michael Brecker is fine on "Michael Brecker Waltz," although he sounds a bit restrained, the wittily-titled "Here Comes McBride" is a good-humored romp with bassist Christian McBride; Joe Lovano (on tenor) works well with Brubeck, and particularly memorable is the first meeting on record between Brubeck and fellow pianist George Shearing, with a chance-taking interpretation of "In Your Own Sweet Way." 

Joshua Redman performs fine hard bop on one song, "Together," is a well-conceived duet for baritonist Gerry Mulligan and Brubeck, James Moody plays tenor, sings, and yodels on the minor blues "Moody," Mulligan returns for the contrapuntal "Gerry-Go-Round," and, although the obscure flugelhornist Ronnie Buttacavoli sounds very out of place on his boring feature, the set closes with one of the strongest performances, a solo piano showcase for Brubeck on "Deep in a Dream." Overall, this is quite a mixed bag but, even with its occasional misses, the CD is a must for Dave Brubeck fans, because the pianist is consistently inventive throughout the unusual set. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/young-lions-old-tigers-mw0000176313

Personnel: Dave Brubeck (piano); James Moody (vocals, tenor saxophone); Jon Hendricks (vocals); Michael Brecker, Joe Lovano, Joshua Redman (tenor saxophone); Gerry Mulligan (baritone saxophone); Roy Hargrove (trumpet); Ronnie Buttacavoli (flugelhorn); George Shearing (piano); Chris Brubeck (electric bass); Christian McBride, Jack Six (bass); Randy Jones (drums).

Sunday, December 12, 2021

James Moody & Frank Foster - Sax Talk

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1951
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 73:52
Size: 170,1 MB
Art: Front

(3:43) 1. Bootsie
(3:08) 2. I Cover The Waterfront
(2:55) 3. Deep Purple
(4:37) 4. Lover Come Back To Me
(3:11) 5. That's My Desire
(3:12) 6. More Than You Know
(2:42) 7. Moody's Mode
(3:35) 8. This Is Always
(3:29) 9. Les Feuilles Mortes (Autumn Leaves)
(2:26) 10. Chanter Pour Toi
(2:49) 11. Bedelia
(2:41) 12. Aimer Comme Je T'aime
(2:28) 13. Si Jolie
(2:57) 14. September Serenade
(6:08) 15. My Heart Stood Still
(4:52) 16. Fat Shoes
(5:25) 17. I'll Take Romance
(4:44) 18. Escale A Victoria
(4:03) 19. The Things We Did Last Summer
(4:36) 20. Just 40 Bars

James Moody was an institution in jazz from the late '40s into the 21st century, whether on tenor, flute, occasional alto, or yodeling his way through his "Moody's Mood for Love." After serving in the Air Force (1943-1946), he joined Dizzy Gillespie's bebop orchestra and began a lifelong friendship with the trumpeter. Moody toured Europe with Gillespie and then stayed overseas for several years, working with Miles Davis, Max Roach, and top European players. His 1949 recording of "I'm in the Mood for Love" became a hit in 1952 under the title of "Moody's Mood for Love" with classic vocalese lyrics written by Eddie Jefferson and a best-selling recording by King Pleasure. After returning to the U.S., Moody formed a septet that lasted for five years, recorded extensively for Prestige and Argo, took up the flute, and then from 1963-1968, was a member of Dizzy Gillespie's quintet.

He worked in Las Vegas show bands during much of the 1970s before returning to jazz, playing occasionally with Gillespie, mostly working as a leader and recording with Lionel Hampton's Golden Men of Jazz. Moody, who alternated between tenor (which he preferred) and alto throughout his career, had an original sound on both horns. He was also one of the best flutists in jazz. Moody recorded as a leader for numerous labels, including Blue Note, Xanadu, Vogue, Prestige, EmArcy, Mercury, Argo, DJM, Milestone, Perception, MPS, Muse, Vanguard, and Novus. He died of complications from pancreatic cancer on December 9, 2010 in San Diego, CA. James Moody was 85 years old.~Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/artist/james-moody-mn0000786080/biography

Personnel: Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone – James Moody; Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone – James Moody; Bass – Jean-Marie Ingrand, Pierre Michelot; Drums – Jean-Louis Viale, Pierre Lamarchand Drums, Strings, Woodwind – Pepito Riebe; Piano – Henri Renaud, Raymond Fol; Tenor Saxophone – Frank Foster; Trumpet – Roger Guérin

Sax Talk

Thursday, October 7, 2021

James Moody - Running the Gamut: Legendary Sessions

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:07
Size: 80,8 MB
Art: Front

(6:56) 1. Buster's Last Stand
(4:47) 2. Paint the Town Red
(3:47) 3. Emprean Shore
(6:49) 4. Capers
(2:28) 5. If You Grin (You're In)
(6:14) 6. Wayward Plaint
(4:02) 7. Figurine

James Moody was an institution in jazz from the late '40s into the 21st century, whether on tenor, flute, occasional alto, or yodeling his way through his "Moody's Mood for Love." After serving in the Air Force (1943-1946), he joined Dizzy Gillespie's bebop orchestra and began a lifelong friendship with the trumpeter. Moody toured Europe with Gillespie and then stayed overseas for several years, working with Miles Davis, Max Roach, and top European players. His 1949 recording of "I'm in the Mood for Love" became a hit in 1952 under the title of "Moody's Mood for Love" with classic vocalese lyrics written by Eddie Jefferson and a best-selling recording by King Pleasure. After returning to the U.S., Moody formed a septet that lasted for five years, recorded extensively for Prestige and Argo, took up the flute, and then from 1963-1968, was a member of Dizzy Gillespie's quintet.

He worked in Las Vegas show bands during much of the 1970s before returning to jazz, playing occasionally with Gillespie, mostly working as a leader and recording with Lionel Hampton's Golden Men of Jazz. Moody, who alternated between tenor (which he preferred) and alto throughout his career, had an original sound on both horns. He was also one of the best flutists in jazz. Moody recorded as a leader for numerous labels, including Blue Note, Xanadu, Vogue, Prestige, EmArcy, Mercury, Argo, DJM, Milestone, Perception, MPS, Muse, Vanguard, and Novus. He died of complications from pancreatic cancer on December 9, 2010 in San Diego, CA. James Moody was 85 years old.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/artist/james-moody-mn0000786080/biography

Personnel: Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Flute – James Moody; Bass – Reggie Workman; Drums – Albert Heath; Piano – Patti Bown; Trumpet – Thad Jones; vocals – Marie Volpe

Running the Gamut: Legendary Sessions

Saturday, September 11, 2021

James Moody - Flute 'n the Blues

Styles: Saxophone And Flute Jazz
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 36:00
Size: 88,3 MB
Art: Front

(4:11) 1. Flute 'n the Blues
(2:34) 2. Birdland Story
(2:46) 3. It Could Happen to You
(2:46) 4. I Cover the Waterfront
(4:26) 5. Body and Soul
(3:24) 6. Breaking the Blues
(3:25) 7. Parker's Mood
(3:56) 8. Easy Living
(3:46) 9. Boo's Tune
(4:41) 10. Richard's Blues

This fairly rare Lp (which has fortunately been reissued on a Chess CD along with Last Train To Overbrook) features James Moody's septet of 1956, a fine bop-based unit that also includes trumpeter Johnny Coles and pianist Jimmy Boyd. Moody, who had just begun to play flute, is heard on that instrument along with tenor and alto; an added plus are Eddie Jefferson's three vocals (including his alternate lyrics for "Parker's Mood"). The basic material (mostly standards and blues) are given spirited and swinging treatment by the underrated group.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/flute-n-the-blues-mw0000313322

Personnel: James Moody - tenor saxophone, alto saxophone, flute; Johnny Coles - trumpet; William Shepherd - trombone ; Pee Wee Moore - baritone saxophone; Jimmy Boyd - piano, peck horn; John Latham - bass; Clarence Johnston - drums; Eddie Jefferson - vocals

Flute 'n the Blues

Saturday, August 28, 2021

Cheryl Bentyne - Let's Misbehave: The Cole Porter Song Book

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:56
Size: 126,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:16)  1. Love For Sale
(4:08)  2. It's Alright With Me
(3:14)  3. My Heart Belongs To Daddy
(3:21)  4. I Love Paris
(3:03)  5. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
(4:14)  6. Night and Day
(2:17)  7. Just One of Those Things
(3:36)  8. What is this thing called Love
(3:34)  9. Begin the Beguine
(3:37) 10. All of You
(6:40) 11. I Concentrate on You
(3:53) 12. It's Delovely
(5:44) 13. Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye
(2:12) 14. Let's Misbehave

Cheryl Bentyne has maintained an active solo career in addition to her work with the Manhattan Transfer. Let's Misbehave is a fresh look at the Cole Porter songbook, featuring a baker's dozen of his best-known compositions, and showcasing a terrific band including pianist/organist Corey Allen, guitarist Larry Koonse, saxophonist/clarinetist Doug Webb, and bassist Kevin Axt (a member of Tierney Sutton's band), among others. Bentyne's sassy take of "Love for Sale" is buoyed by the piano/organ backdrop and Webb's soulful tenor. She devours the playful, hip Cuban setting of "My Heart Belongs to Daddy," while her interpretation of "I Love Paris" is pure magic. Her vocal gifts can especially be appreciated in "Begin the Beguine," with drummer Dave Tull as her sole accompanist. 

The late James Moody is a special guest on tenor sax for the breezy setting of "What Is This Thing Called Love" and the haunting, deliberate "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye," the latter of which Bentyne sings the words as if she's lived them. Let's Misbehave is clearly one Cheryl Bentyne's best recordings. ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/lets-misbehave-the-cole-porter-songbook-mw0002392520

Personnel:  Vocals – Cheryl Bentyne; Acoustic Guitar – Octavio Bailly, Tom McCauley; Bass, Tuba – Kevin Axt; Drums – Dave Tull; Guitar [Guitar Solos] – Larry Koonse; Mandola – Tom McCauley; Piano, Keyboards, Banjo – Corey Allen; Saxophone, Clarinet – Doug Webb; Tenor Saxophone – James Moody; Trumpet – Chris Tedesco

Let's Misbehave: The Cole Porter Song Book

Friday, September 11, 2020

James Moody - Last Train From Overbrook

Styles: Saxophone e Flute Jazz
Year: 1959
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 28:16
Size: 65,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:05)  1. Last Train From Overbrook
(2:34)  2. Don't Worry 'Bout Me
(2:25)  3. Why Don't You
(3:31)  4. I'm Free aka What's New?
(1:43)  5. Tico Tico
(2:25)  6. There She Goes
(2:07)  7. All The Things You Are
(3:09)  8. Brother Yusef
(3:44)  9. Yvonne
(3:28) 10. The Moody One

A wonderful album from Moody  one of his "comeback" albums for Chess/Argo, recorded after his release from the Overbrook institution, hence the title. By this point, Moody was writing and playing with much more of an edge than during his bebop days and the record certainly shows that  not only on the title track "Last Train From Overbrook", a jumpy little number that became one of the big new tunes in Moody's book, but on the whole album, which features some well-conceived large charts written by Johnny Pate. Pate and Moody wrote the bulk of the songs, too and titles include "Yvonne", "Brother Yusef", "The Moody One", "There She Goes", "Tico Tico", and "Why Don't You". The album also features a great double-exposed cover photo, and some of the most chilling liner notes you'll ever read about a jazzman's struggles with addiction.  © 1996-2020, Dusty Groove, Inc. https://www.dustygroove.com/item/41999/James-Moody:Last-Train-From-Overbrook

Personnel: James Moody - tenor saxophone, alto saxophone, flute; Flip Ricard, Earl Turner, Sonny Cohn - trumpet; Ethel Merker - french horn on Last Train from Overbrook ; John Avant - trombone; Bill Atkins, Lenny Druss - alto saxophone; Vito Price, Sandy Mosse, Eddie Johnson - tenor saxophone; Pat Patrick - baritone saxophone; Junior Mance - piano; Floyd Morris - piano; Johnny Pate - bass; John Gray - guitar; Red Holt - drums

Last Train From Overbrook

Sunday, November 24, 2019

The Dizzy Gillespie Reunion Big Band - 20th And 30th Anniversary

Styles: Trumpet Jazz, Big Band
Year: 1969
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:21
Size: 99,8 MB
Art: Front

( 7:29)  1. Things To Come
( 7:07)  2. One Bass Hit
( 8:17)  3. Frisco
(10:33)  4. Con Alma
( 8:01)  5. Things Are Here
( 1:51)  6. Theme (Birks Works)

Highlights radiate through the history of the Berlin Jazz Days, and November 7, 1968 was a particularly memorable one. On that evening Dizzy Gillespie visited the city on the Spree river; that alone would be enough for every jazz fan to jump for joy, since by that time the incomparable trumpeter was one of the few remaining constants in modern jazz. And he hadn’t brought just any orchestra with him – Dizzie’s combo included outstanding soloists from every phase of his career: saxophonist Cecil Payne and trombonist Ted Kelly from the Forties, colleague Curtis Fuller out of Dizzie’s Fifties groups, and from the younger generation representing the Sixties, Gillespie protégé trumpeter Jimmy Owens. These are only a few of the creative heads in Dizzie’s star-studded “Reunion Big Band”. 

Put together by Gillespie’s long-time musical companion Gil Fuller, the band only needed a few days’ rehearsals before they were breathing as one and ready to conduct their triumphant European tour. They strut their stuff in six pieces, from the exuberant, animalistic energy of “Things To Come” through Paul West’s swinging bass work on “One Bass Hit” on to “Frisco”, pianist Mike Longo’s composition with its chromatic ostinato resounding like a gangster movie soundtrack. From the Latin-saturated “Con Alma” with Dizzy dancing through the piece, through to the precisely arranged “Things Are There”, a wild chase that, after a series of excellent solos, ends in Candy Finch’s drumming fireworks. Dizzy Gillespie commented back then that it was his best big band of the last 20 years. After listening to the music you’ll have to agree. ~ Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/Dizzy-Gillespie-Reunion-Big-Band/dp/B01JQUBHK6

Personnel: Dizzy Gillespie - trumpet; Jimmy Owens - trumpet; Dizzy Reece - trumpet; Victor Paz - trumpet;  Stu Haimer - trumpet;  Curtis Fuller - trombone; Tom McIntosh - trombone; Ted Kelly - trombone;  Chris Woods - saxophone;  James Moody - saxophone; Paul Jeffrey - saxophone; Sahib Shihab - saxophone; Cecil Payne - saxophone;  Mike Longo - piano;  Paul West - bass; Candy Finch - drums

20th And 30th Anniversary

Thursday, September 12, 2019

James Moody - Sun Journey

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1976
File: MP3@224K/s
Time: 49:03
Size: 78,7 MB
Art: Front

( 6:09)  1. This Masquerade
( 7:52)  2. Moody's Mood For Love
(10:53)  3. Clabber Biscuits
( 8:27)  4. Last Train From Overbrook
( 7:48)  5. Sun Journey
( 7:51)  6. Sun In Pisces

Not as funky as Moody's work for Perception, but definitely in a similar mode. The record's got James playing alto, tenor, and soprano in a group that includes Kenny Barron on electric piano, Roland Prince on guitar, and some guest trumpet by Randy Brecker. 

The tracks shift from warm and mellow to warm and funky  but still kind of mellowly funky and titles include a nice cover of "This Masquerade", plus "Sun Journey", "Sun In Pisces", "Clabber Biscuits", and "Last Train From Overbrook".  © 1996-2019, Dusty Groove, Inc. https://www.dustygroove.com/item/62090/James-Moody:Sun-Journey

Personnel: James Moody - Alto, Tenor, Soprano; Clark Terry - Trumpet, Flugelhorn; Randy Brecker - Trumpet; Kenny Barron - Elec Piano; Roland Prince - Guitar;Bob Cranshaw - Bass; Eddie Gladden - Drums; Emanual Rahim - Percussion

Sun Journey

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Hank Jones - One More - The Music of Thad Jones

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 69:22
Size: 159,9 MB
Art: Front

(5:37)  1. Subtle Rebuttal
(4:54)  2. Thad's Pad
(6:40)  3. Kids Are Pretty People
(5:49)  4. One More
(7:05)  5. Mean What You Say
(8:02)  6. A Child Is Born
(5:12)  7. Bossa Nova Ova
(7:02)  8. The Waltz You Swang for Me
(5:37)  9. H & T Blues
(5:23) 10. Consummation
(5:27) 11. The Farewell
(2:31) 12. Monk's Mood

Great jazz things have been happening at IPO Recordings, and they have been for a while. One More: Music of Thad Jones is the sixth CD from Executive Producer Bill Sorin, and it continues the generous spirit of tribute that has informed each of its predecessors. Three of the six recordings so far have been among the final recordings of the late piano maestro, Sir Roland Hanna, with another Hanna album on the way later this year. Listeners familiar with the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Band should know that Hanna held the piano chair in the band from its beginning in '66 through '74, and that he often performed Thad's compositions on his own recordings. Hanna is present posthumously on One More, in a recreation of one his classic unaccompanied introductions to "A Child Is Born, arguably Jones' most famous composition. One More indeed pays homage to Jones the composer with stellar performances of 11 of his tunes. The aggregation that performs Michael Patterson's distinctive arrangements is an octet made up of a Who's Who of straight-ahead blowing jazz. James Moody, Benny Golson and Frank Wess appear on tenor and other saxophones, with Wess tripling on flute; Bob Brookmeyer on trombone and Jimmy Owens on trumpet and fluegelhorn comprise the brass section. The superb rhythm section is anchored by Richard Davis on bass and Mickey Roker on drums. One might wonder if Hanna were still alive, he would be on piano. But here we have the redoubtable Hank Jones, Thad's brother, on piano. It is hard to ask for more. Ira Gitler points out in his liner notes, "What Patterson has done is write for this ensemble (and what an ensemble) without losing the spirit of the big band. That's the way Thad wrote, very translatable. With musicians who have no doubt known one another and played together often over many years, there is the feeling here of a reunion, a celebration not only of Thad Jones' talents as a composer but perhaps of the rare chance to play together again. 

For a one-time project, the group is surprisingly tight and polished; everyone really seems to have come to play his best, together. Without slighting any of the other masters, one can't miss the contributions of Hank Jones on piano and Jimmy Owens on trumpet, which are consistently brilliant on this album, on virtually every cut. What an honor for jazz lovers to still have Hank in our midst; here and on his new Great Jazz Trio recordings of late he sounds better than ever. Perhaps Owens' highlight is his solo on "Consummation. Poetic justice: Thad Jones wrote the song for a concert performance by Owens in '69. One More concludes on a rather special note. The final track is an unaccompanied solo performance by Hank Jones of "Monk's Mood, the only tune on the album not by Thad. He is playing an arrangement that he learned, note-for-note, directly from the composer himself, Thelonious Monk, in the mid-'40s, which was a favorite of Thad's. IPO seems headed in a good direction. One More: Music of Thad Jones follows With Malice Toward None: The Music of Tom McIntosh, another great composer, which features some of the same musicians. Who knows? Maybe someday we will see a tribute to the compositional talents of Sir Roland Hanna, another match surely to be made in heaven. ~ Wayne Zade https://www.allaboutjazz.com/one-more-music-of-thad-jones-by-wayne-zade.php

Personnel: Benny Golson (tenor saxophone); James Moody (tenor and soprano saxophone); Frank Wess (tenor and alto saxophone, flute); Jimmy Owens (trumpet and fluegelhorn); Bob Brookmeyer (trombone); Hank Jones (piano); Richard Davis (bass); Mickey Roker (drums) 

One More - The Music of Thad Jones

Friday, April 5, 2019

Al Haig - Trio And Quintet!

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:00
Size: 115,2 MB
Art: Front

(5:40)  1. Maxology
(5:53)  2. Prince Albert
(6:10)  3. Yesterdays
(3:37)  4. Maximum
(4:01)  5. Just One Of Those Things
(3:09)  6. Yardbird Suite
(2:43)  7. Taboo
(4:55)  8. Mighty Like A Rose
(3:38)  9. S'Wonderful
(1:51) 10. Spotlight
(5:26) 11. 'Round Midnight
(2:49) 12. The Moon Was Yellow

One of the finest pianists of the bop era (and one who learned from Bud Powell's innovations quite early), Al Haig was quite busy during two periods of his career but unfortunately was pretty obscure in the years between. After serving in the Coast Guard (playing in bands during 1942-1944) and freelancing around Boston, Haig worked steadily with Dizzy Gillespie (1945-1946), Charlie Parker (1948-1950), and Stan Getz (1949-1951); and was on many recordings, mostly as a sideman (including some classic Diz and Bird sessions) but also as a leader for Spotlite, Dawn, and Prestige. However (other than little-known dates in 1954 for Esoteric, Swing, and Period), Haig did not lead any more albums until 1974. He played fairly often during the 1951-1973 period, but was generally overlooked. That changed during his last decade, when he was finally recognized as a bop giant and recorded for Spotlite, Choice, SeaBreeze, Interplay, and several Japanese and European labels. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/artist/al-haig-mn0000604469/biography

Personnel: Piano – Al Haig; Bass – Bill Crow, Tommy Potter ; Drums – Lee Abrams, Max Roach; Tenor Saxophone – James Moody; Trumpet – Kenny Dorham

Trio And Quintet!                  

Sunday, February 24, 2019

James Moody - Hey! It's James Moody + Flute N The Blues + 3 Bonus Tracks

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 79:40
Size: 183,5 MB
Art: Front

(3:08)  1. Stella By Starlight
(2:38)  2. Indian Summer
(4:31)  3. Don't Blame Me
(2:38)  4. Last Train From Overbrook (Vocal Version)
(4:00)  5. Please Say Yes
(6:19)  6. Blue Jubilee
(3:14)  7. Woody'N You
(2:29)  8. Trouble In De Lowlands
(2:35)  9. Summertime
(2:55) 10. Tali
(4:07) 11. Flute 'n The Blues
(2:32) 12. Birdland Story
(2:42) 13. It Could Happen To You
(2:42) 14. I Cover The Waterfront
(4:23) 15. Body And Soul
(3:20) 16. Breaking The Blues
(3:21) 17. Parker's Mood
(3:51) 18. Easy Living
(3:43) 19. Boo's Tune
(4:41) 20. Richard's Blues
(3:07) 21. Last Train From Overbrook (instrumental)
(3:13) 22. Workshop
(3:18) 23. I'm In The Mood for Love

There is nothing earth-shattering on this collection, which was originally issued as two LPs: Flute'n The Blues (1956) and Hey! It's James Moody (1959). What remains remarkable, though, is how fresh James Moody sounds, even when some of the arrangements show their age and some of the ensemble passages lack precise intonation. Indeed, some of these tracks have passed into jazz lore, including "Last Train from Overbrook (the salute to Moody's return to the scene) with Eddie Jefferson's ebullient vocal, as well as an instrumental take and the classic Moody-Jefferson piece "I'm in the Mood For Love, performed since as "Moody's Mood For Love. The leader excels on alto and tenor, but his full-bodied, soulful and technically sure flute playing deserves special mention. He shines on a languid "Indian Summer that is far too short, and "Trouble In De Lowlands finds him appropriately mournful. "Tali is a bit too precious, but Moody almost salvages it with a far-too-short swinging segment. Likewise, the out-of-tune opening ensemble threatens to sabotage the leader's offering, as well as that of underrated trumpeter Johnny Coles, on "Flute'n The Blues. The closing, riff-based ensemble, however, is tighter. On tenor, Moody soulfully explores "Don't Blame Me, taking his time to build a compelling solo. On "Woody'N You (aka "Algo Bueno ), Dizzy Gillespie's tribute to Woody Herman, he soars again on tenor, using fragments of the melody to launch segments of blowing choruses. His tenor playing, individualized with gruff, acidic traces, is always compelling. Jefferson is featured extensively on pieces including "Birdland Story, "I Cover the Waterfront, the majestically paced "Workshop and the classics "Parker's Mood and "I'm in the Mood for Love (complete with that wild falsetto spot). The latter two are arguably the singer's most moving works on record. This release is a portrait of James Moody's output from the late '50s. Here and there it can sound a bit dated, mainly because the ensembles and tempi are too often too much the same, number after number. Moody's warm, passionate, focused voice, however, stands out. Whether in the studio or in the band box, he was then and remains now exciting, soulful and expressive. ~ Andrew Rowan https://www.allaboutjazz.com/hey-its-james-moody-james-moody-lone-hill-jazz-review-by-andrew-rowan.php

Personnel: James Moody: alto and tenor saxophone, flute. Tracks 1-10: John Gray: guitar; Eldee Young: bass; Clarence Johnston: drums; Eddie Jefferson: vocals (4,9); Tom McIntosh: arranger, conductor. Tracks 11-20: Johnny Coles: trumpet; William Shepherd: trombone; Pee Wee Moore: baritone saxophone; Jimmy Boyd: piano, arranger; John Latham: bass; Clarence Johnston: drums; Eddie Jefferson: vocals (12,14,17); Flip Richard, Earl Turner, Sonny Cohn: trumpet; John Avant: trombone; Bill Atkins, Lenny Druss: alto saxophone; Vito Price, Sandy Mosse, Eddie Johnson: tenor saxophone; Pat Patrick: baritone saxophone; Junior Mance: piano; John Gray: bass; Johnny Pate: bass, arranger, director; Red Holt: drums. Track 22: Johnny Coles, Howard McGhee: trumpet; Musa Kaleem: baritone saxophone; Gene Kee: piano; John Latham: bass; Clarence Johnston: drums; Johnny Coles: trumpet; Donald Cole: trombone; Tate Houston: baritone saxophone: Jimmy Boyd: piano; John Latham: bass; Clarence Johnston: drums; Eddie Jefferson: vocals.

Hey! It's James Moody

Sunday, December 2, 2018

James Moody - Heritage Hum

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1971
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:40
Size: 112,2 MB
Art: Front

(5:03)  1. Heritage Hum
(5:55)  2. Sound For Sore Ears
(4:32)  3. Road Runner
(5:21)  4. Can't Fool Around With Love
(6:09)  5. Rainy Days
(7:32)  6. Travel On
(7:27)  7. Soul Searching
(4:10)  8. Parker's Mood
(2:27)  9. Pennies From Heaven

While not as all-out funky as some of the other Perception jazz LPs from the time (including Moody's own The Teachers), this one's got a great slinking groove to it, and features nice playing by Michael Longo, who was also in Dizzy's funky 70s group at the time. Eddie Jefferson sings vocals on a hilarious version of "Pennies From Heaven", and other titles include "Heritage Hum", "Road Runner", "Soul Searching", and "Travel On".  © 1996-2018, Dusty Groove, Inc. https://www.dustygroove.com/item/22942/James-Moody:Heritage-Hum

Personnel:   Saxophone, Flute – James Moody;  Acoustic Bass – Samuel Jones;  Drums – Frederick Waits;  Piano – Michael Longo;  Vocals – Eddie Jefferson

Heritage Hum

Thursday, August 16, 2018

Illinois Jacquet - Birthday Party

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1972
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:57
Size: 89,5 MB
Art: Front

( 4:06)  1. Ebb Tide
(10:37)  2. Birthday Party Blues
( 5:24)  3. The Shadow Of Your Smile
(12:59)  4. On The Beach
( 5:48)  5. Polka Dots & Moon Beams

Recorded to celebrate Jacquet's 50th birthday, this date is an all-star collaboration with some of the greatest names in jazz: Kenny Burrell, James Moody, Joe Newman, Art Farmer, Jimmy Smith (on piano,) Gerry Mulligan, Jack Six, and Roy Haynes. It comes off loose and free, as if no charts were thrown at the musicians and they simply went at these three standards (two being movie-theme ballads), along with two of Jacquet's numbers, completely off the cuff. Moody leads on flute for the sultry bossa "Ebb Tide," with Farmer playing flugelhorn and Jacquet only getting his feet wet later in the bridge; all three counter jab near the end. "The Shadow of Your Smile" is more typical, with Burrell leading, Jacquet's mushy, blues-drenched tenor playing the melody, and Moody's flute filling whatever cracks crop up. The low-down "Birthday Party Blues" ballad is set up by Burrell and Six; Mulligan and Newman traipse through the midsection of this ten-minute jam, while Illinois' woodwind howls and the others chime in a bit. "Polka Dots & Moonbeams" is all Jacquet's, and he takes the baton, although Six goes it alone twice, and Burrell takes the rhythm section on solos. The cover of "On the Beach" is a hard, rip-roaring swinger that runs over 13 minutes, with the birthday boy leading and others to follow. Moody's smoother tenor provides a fine contrast to Jacquet's signature Texas edge; Newman's great muted trumpet with the rhythm trio is only further evidence that he should not continue being an uncrowned king. As short as it is (36 minutes), it's a shame there isn't more material  too bad, for this was an incredible band. ~ Michael G.Nastos https://www.allmusic.com/album/birthday-party-mw0000667247

Personnel: Illinois Jacquet - tenor saxophone; Joe Newman - trumpet; Art Farmer - flugelhorn; Jimmie Smith - piano; Kenny Burrell - guitar; Jack Six - bass; Roy Haynes - drums;  Gerry Mulligan - baritone saxophone;  James Moody - tenor saxophone, flute.

Birthday Party

Monday, May 28, 2018

James Moody, Al Cohn - Too Heavy For Words

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:55
Size: 102.9 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 1973/2017
Art: Front

[ 6:25] 1. East Of The Sun
[ 8:55] 2. Vezzioso
[ 7:00] 3. Good Bait
[10:30] 4. Wee Dot
[ 4:53] 5. The Underdog
[ 7:09] 6. Mr. George

Drums – Roy Brooks; Piano – Barry Harris; Tenor Saxophone – Al Cohn, James Moody. Recorded: August 12th, 1971.

Tenor sax battles have been an indelible part of jazz, as witnessed by the legendary Coleman Hawkins/Lester Young battles, the classic Dexter Gordon/Wardell Gray albums, and the Rollins/Coltrane "Tenor Madness". Add this 1971 skirmish between James Moody and Al Cohn to the list. A mainstay in Gillespie's big band and quintet, Moody worked with many of the music's greats. His solo on I'm in the Mood for Love is a jazz classic. Cohn is recognized for his part in Woody Herman's famous Four Brothers tenor sax section, as well as his quintet with fellow tenor great Zoot Sims.

Too Heavy For Words mc
Too Heavy For Words zippy

Monday, May 7, 2018

Legends & Lions - Swingin'

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:29
Size: 131.6 MB
Styles: Mainstream jazz
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[6:14] 1. Mighty Burner
[5:53] 2. Blues For Hamp
[5:48] 3. I Am Old Fashioned
[4:28] 4. Comment Allez-Vous
[3:40] 5. Seven Steps To Heaven
[6:06] 6. Nancy Jo
[5:39] 7. Blues For Matt B
[7:55] 8. Old Man Jazz
[6:21] 9. Centerpiece
[5:19] 10. The Masquerade Is Over

Legends & Lions: Swingin' is one of a pair of specially priced compilations simultaneously released by Mack Avenue at a special price to showcase their artists. Unlike typical collections, this CD combines previously issued tracks and music from future projects along with one unissued track that evidently will not appear elsewhere. The selections range from the tasty uptempo blues "Mighty Burner," which showcases trumpeter Rashawn Ross extensively before tenor saxophonist and leader Ron Blake makes his entrance; to vocalist Ilona Knopfler's sensual "Comment Allez-Vous" backed by a fine big band; to a bluesy down-home gospel-flavored treatment of "Centerpiece" that features Kenny Burrell, James Moody, Teddy Edwards, Cedar Walton, and Oscar Brashear. The unissued track, a brisk take of "I'm Old Fashioned" featuring alto saxophonist Bud Shank with pianist Mike Wofford, bassist Bob Magnusson, and drummer Joe La Barbera, may have been set aside due to a few reed squeaks in the opening minute. This excellent sampler showcases a label that is not focused exclusively either on veteran artists or rising stars, but one that simply seeks to record valuable jazz. ~Ken Dryden

Swingin' mc
Swingin' zippy