James Moody, 4B (IPO). According to the evidence on this CD due for release in early August, Moody at 85 is undiminished in energy, endurance, chops and harmonic imagination. In the companion to last year's 4A, the winner of the JJA's 2010 lifetime achievement award moves at deliberate speed swingingthrough jazz and standard classics including Take The 'A' Train," Hot House," But Not For Me," Bye Bye Blackbird" as a waltz, and compositions by Kenny Barron and Todd Coolman. Barron, on piano, and bassist Coolman reconstitute two thirds of Moody's superb 1980s rhythm section. The impeccable Lewis Nash is the drummer. Nash's solo on Take the 'A' Train" is a highlight. All hands get plenty of solo time. Throughout, Moody plays the tenor saxophone, his preferred horn. The proceeding has the air of a high-level jam session. That is a compliment. As usual with Moody, joy predominates.
Recent Listening: James Moody
Track Listing
Take the A Train; Hot House; Speak Low; Polka Dots & Moonbeams; I Love You; O.P. Update; Nikara's Song; Along Came Betty; But Not For Me.
Personnel
James Moody
woodwindsAdditional Instrumentation
James Moody: tenor saxophone; Kenny Barron: piano; Todd Coolman: bass; Lewis Nash: drums.
Album information
Title: Moody 4B | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: IPO Recordings