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James Moody: The Blues And Other Colors

By AAJ Staff
June 1, 1998
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When James Moody's name is mentioned, two words immediately come to mind: tenor sax. Thought Moody also has an attractive sound on the alto, the tenor is his primary voice. But neither the tenor nor the alto is heard on The Blues And Other Colors, which was recorded in 1968 and '69 and has been reissued for Fantasy's Original Jazz Classics (OJC) series. Instead, Moody embraces the flute and the soprano sax on this album, which combines jazz with elements of chamber music. Moody sounds equally inspired on both instruments, and his enthusiasm comes through on the congenial "Everyone Needs It" as well as rueful offerings like "A Statement" and "Feeling Low" (which brings to mind the traditional "Motherless Child." A few of the songs use wordless vocals that aren't unlike some of the things that Joe Lovano and Judi Silvano have done in the 1990s).

Not a "typical" Moody album, Blues is well worth obtaining.

Personnel

James Moody

woodwinds

Album information

Title: The Blues And Other Colors | Year Released: 1998 | Record Label: Fantasy Jazz

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