Year: 2008
Record Label: IPO
Style: Straight-Ahead / Classic
Musicians: James Moody (tenor saxophone and flute), Hank Jones (piano), Todd Coolman (bass), Adam Nussbaum (drums)
Review: When jazz veterans get together, one of two things will happen: 1) either the session will be hot and smoking, even if the session focuses on ballads, because the artists will be so in step with each other there is no other way for them to play, or 2) even though they may be familiar with each other’s styles, for some reason they don’t relate well during the sessions. It is, unfortunately, more of the later than the former on this, the first time, with two very small exceptions, these two modern jazz giants, saxophonist James Moody and pianist Hank Jones, have recorded together in their entire careers.
Even with the above said, that still does not negate the love the two obviously share for each other. Perhaps they were too respectful of each other during the sessions, because what this disc lacks is a little bit of fire. At times, each of them goes for it, as Moody does during “Birk’s Works,” but for the most part, each is just a little too careful.
The session keeps with IPO’s basic approach, a straight-ahead session focused on standards and tunes that have long associations with the musicians. In this case, it’s a standard's blowing session. The 12 tunes will be familiar to jazz fans and include chestnuts likes “Body and Soul” and “Old Folks.”
Accompanying these Jazz Hall-of-Famers are the excellent Todd Coolman on bass and Adam Nussbaum on drums. Together, they provide rock solid and unyielding support. They are there for every turn and twist the two headliners traverse.
A true highlight of the disc is Tadd Dameron’s lovely, up-tempo, swinger “Lady Bird.” Coolman’s opening salvo throws down the challenge and each of the stars, in turn, fire off some not just beautiful playing, but also some challenging spins at the other. Moody is so light and downy, even in the midst of his of double-time flights of fancy, you almost can’t believe he has so much facile technique. Jones, on the other hand, is so statesman like, yet cleverly humorous, you can understand why he’s had such a long and distinguished career. The mutual admiration society that governs the rest of the disc is not in play, and the listener is the winner.
Tracks: Our Delight, Birk's Works, Con Alma, Lady Bird, Eternal Triangle, Body And Soul, Good Bait, Darben The Red Foxx, Soul Trane, Woody 'N You, Old Folks, Moody's Groove
Record Label Website: http://www.iporecordings.com/
Artist's Website: http://www.jamesmoody.com/
Reviewed by:
Thomas R. Erdmann
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