James Moody - The Moody Story · James Moody Septet 1951-1955, Vol. 2 (Remastered) '2024

Tracks list

James Moody (1925-2010), born in Savannah, GA, and raised in Newark, NJ,
developed a passion for music during his teenage years. At 16, he received an
alto saxophone and began practicing tirelessly. It was over a year later that he
discovered his fondness for the tenor saxophone. While serving in the Army from
1943 to 1946, Moody received musical training and learned the rudiments of the
instrument. Shortly after being discharged in the summer of 1946, Moody joined
Gillespie's big band. His talent as a soloist garnered attention, blending the
innovative styles of Parker and Gillespie with his own approach. However,
despite making his recording debut as a leader in 1948, his career seemed to
stall.

Early in 1949, quite discouraged, Moody decided to head to Paris, where he found
success as a recording artist and collaborated with notable musicians like Miles
Davis and Max Roach. He also traveled to Stockholm, recording with Swedish
musicians. After his European experience, Moody returned to the US in 1951,
signing with Mercury Records and embarking on extensive tours of one-night
performances, playing a pivotal role in broadening jazz's appeal among the
general public. Ralph Gleason, writing for the San Francisco Chronicle,
described Moody’s band as “one of the best small groups in the
country, a tightly knit yet loosely swinging unit."

Moody's first recordings with Mercury and subsequent albums for Prestige Records
from 1951 1955 showcased his leadership, musical prowess, and his versatility
and skill on both alto and tenor saxophones. His septet with musicians like Dave
Burns, Pee Wee Moore, and singers Babs Gonzales and Eddie Jefferson resulted in
memorable performances. Moody's records captured not just the danceable rhythms
but also delved into intricate jazz arrangements, catering to a more discerning
audience. Despite facing challenges in gaining recognition from critics and
being labeled as a rhythm and blues musician, these Moody's recordings reveal a
modern and robust swinging sound reminiscent at times of the Gillespie-Tadd
Dameron style, constantly captivating and attracting attention.

—Jordi Pujol

Tracklist:
1.01 - James Moody - That Man O' Mine (Remastered) (3:00) 
1.02 - James Moody - Over The Rainbow (Remastered) (3:07) 
1.03 - James Moody - Jack Raggs (Remastered) (2:44) 
1.04 - James Moody - Mambo With Moody (Remastered) (4:11) 
1.05 - James Moody - It Might As Well Be Spring (Remastered) (3:56) 
1.06 - James Moody - It Might As Well Be Spring (Take 2) (Remastered) (3:50) 
1.07 - James Moody - Blues In The Closet (Remastered) (3:57) 
1.08 - James Moody - Moody's Mood For Blues (Remastered) (5:40) 
1.09 - James Moody - Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen (Remastered) (2:51) 
1.10 - James Moody - I've Got The Blues (Remastered) (2:49) 
1.11 - James Moody - Blue Walk (Remastered) (3:16) 
1.12 - James Moody - Faster James (Remastered) (3:42) 
1.13 - James Moody - There Will Never Be Another You (Remastered) (3:52) 
1.14 - James Moody - Disappointed (Remastered) (6:23) 
1.15 - James Moody - Hard To Get (Remastered) (4:06) 
1.16 - James Moody - Little Ricky (Remastered) (3:53)

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