Home » Music » Song of the Day

Body and Soul by Michael Moody

From the album

Buy Album

Album Title: The Ecstasy of Love
Label: Self Produced
Released: 2026

Listen

Sign in to view listen count

About the Album

"The first single to be released from "The Ecstasy of Love" is Michael Moody’s version of “Body and Soul” which has the singer accompanied by guitarist Paul Bollenbeck and bassist Neal Caine. Bollenbeck plays the introduction and then Moody takes the first chorus. He has an attractive baritone voice and a very appealing jazz phrasing in the tradition of Eddie Jefferson and Jon Hendricks but without copying those greats. During the chorus he sings the words of “Body and Soul” but inventively changes many of the notes, sticking to the meaning of the lyrics while making the song sound fresh and a little unpredictable.

Bollenbeck takes a swinging half chorus before Michael Moody returns for the second half. His hornlike phrasing and choice of notes keep the momentum going before he takes the final section out of tempo and unaccompanied, bringing the famous song to a satisfying ending. Michael Moody’s treatment of “Body and Soul” makes one look forward to the eventual release of The Ecstasy Of Love."

- Scott Yanow, jazz journalist/historian and author 

Tracks

The Nearness of You. Embraceable You. Unforgettable. Easy to Love. Ghost of a Chance. I'm Lost. Body and Soul. Good Morning Heartache. Don't Explain. You've Changed. I'm Gonna Lock My Heart. Old Rugged Cross

Personnel

Date featured

March 29, 2026

This song appears by permission of the contributing artist and/or record company. It is for personal use only; no other rights are granted or implied.

PREVIOUS / NEXT

Tags