Chas, about 5 years ago, the local Jazz Arts Foundation sponsored a series of workshops and performances by Richard Davis; as you probably know, a performer and Jazz Educator in the Ray Brown Class. We were talking about Moody, and when I asked Davis about a particular recording, he suggested that I call him! Moody listed his home phone number on his website, and answered his own phone when I called!

I had last seen him at a mid-80's WNOP Jazz Festival (outside of Cincinnati-sponsored by a small but mighty jazz station), playing with Jimmy Smith. I was playing with Cal Collins, a great guitar player, who passed away a few years ago.

I think James Moody is a national treasure.
He's funny, a great singer, in addition to being the killer horn player he's considered, and has a list of lifetime accomplishments in education listed on his site.

The 20 minute conversation I had with him is one of my fondest music related memories.


Russ