On Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at 8:30 p.m., saxophonist James Moody—one of the original stars of bebop music—is joined by pianist Renee Rosnes, bassist Todd Coolman, and drummer Adam Nussbaum, as well as special guests: trumpeter Randy Brecker, clarinetist Paquito D'Rivera, and vocalist Roberta Gambarini for a performance in Zankel Hall celebrating Moody’s 85th birthday.Regarded as one of the most eloquent saxophonists in jazz music, James Moody—whose actual 85th birthday is March 26—is known for a performance style which “balances intellect and humor” as noted by The New York Times. Performing on saxophones and flute, he encompasses complex bebop classics and seductive ballads, even taking on the role of vocalist with intricate scats or singing signature selections like his beloved hit “Moody's Mood for Love.”
This is the third and final performance of Carnegie Hall’s Shape of Jazz series for the 2009–2010 season, presented in partnership with Absolutely Live Entertainment, LLC. Next season’s concerts on this series will include performances by Regina Carter’s Reverse Thread, Chris Potter’s Underground, pianists Bill Charlap and Renee Rosnes, and pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi.
About The Artist
With a career that spans over 60 years, James Moody has earned a reputation as one of the most consistently expressive and enduring figures in modern jazz. He began playing jazz professionally at the age of 21—following service in the United States Air Force—when he joined Dizzy Gillespie’s seminal bebop big band. The experience gave him the opportunity to work with and learn from jazz legends including Milt Jackson, Kenny Clark, Ray Brown, and Thelonius Monk. Moody made his debut recording as a leader in 1948 for Blue Note Records. The following year he moved to Europe where he recorded the masterpiece of improvisation for which he is renowned, “Moody's Mood for Love.”
After a stint performing with the Las Vegas Hilton Orchestra in the 1970s for luminaries such as Bill Cosby and Ann-Margaret to Elvis Presley and The Osmonds, Moody returned to performing and recording with his own band. He has released over 60 records, received three Grammy Award nominations, and is the recipient of a host of honors including an induction into the International Jazz Hall of Fame (1996), as well as awards like Jazz Master by the National Endowment of the Arts (1998), and a Kennedy Center Living Jazz legend Award (2007), among many others. Moody performed at the White House in 2004 for President Bush and twice in the 1990s for President Clinton. He has also performed twice in Bangkok for the King of Thailand, who is a devoted fan.
Even in his 80s, Moody continues to travel and perform globally, both as a featured guest and as a leader of his own group, the James Moody Quartet (with pianist Renee Rosnes, bassist Todd Coolman, and drummer Adam Nussbaum). Moody plays regularly with the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All-Stars and the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All-Stars Big Band, and also often collaborates with trumpeter, composer, and conductor Jon Faddis—also a Gillespie alumnus.
Program Information
Wednesday, April 7 at 8:30 p.m.
Zankel Hall
JAMES MOODY'S 85TH BIRTHDAY PARTY
James Moody, Tenor Saxophone, Flute, and Vocals
Renee Rosnes, Piano
Todd Coolman, Bass
Adam Nussbaum, Drums
with special guests:
Randy Brecker, Trumpet
Paquito D'Rivera, Clarinet
Roberta Gambarini, Vocals
Presented by Carnegie Hall in partnership with Absolutely Live Entertainment, LLC.
Bank of America is the Proud Season Sponsor of Carnegie Hall.
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Ticket Information |
Image from top of release: Photo by Ned Radinsky, Courtesy of rockymountainjazz.com