About this Artist

JAMES MOODY has captivated audiences since he first came on the jazz scene in the mid-1940s when he joined Dizzy Gillespie's ground-breaking orchestra. In 1949 Moody moved to Europe and recorded his masterpiece "Moody's Mood for Love," one of jazz's iconic solos. The saxophonist returned to the U.S. in 1952, leading his own groups and also reuniting with Gillespie in the 1960s. In 1973, he settled in Las Vegas, where as a member of the Las Vegas Hilton Orchestra he accompanied an impressive array of top performers. In the 1980s he reemerged on the jazz scene, leading his own bands and recording a series of critically acclaimed albums. In 1985 he received a Grammy nomination for his work on Manhattan Transfer's Vocalese. In 1995 Telarc recorded an all star Moody's Party 70th birthday celebration at New York's Blue Note. Moody is a master of all the saxes, as well as flute, and his singular vocal style conveys the soul and humor of the man himself. Moody and Carter were close friends and enjoyed each other's company immensely. The Moodys were frequent visitors to the Carters' home. One further connection: Moody now drives Benny's Rolls Royce (license plate: "Benny's").

07/07