I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, 80 Years Young: Live At The Blue Note, by James Moody and it's super. Opening with Benny's From Heaven, featuring James Moody on vocal and ripping some terrific sax leading the way. David Hazeltine on piano sets the pace with excellent rhythm, joined by Todd Coolman on bass who crafts a really nice solo, and Adam Nussbaum who really kicks on drums. Strong opener. Jazz classic, Cherokee is next with Moody leading the way on flute. Not missing a stroke, Moody really has this track jamming with colorful piano by Hazeltine and a driving bass line by Coolman. Hazeltine gets his turn on the throttle and keeps the pedal down before handing off to Nussbaum on drums for an excellent rendition of this notable theme. Birk's Works has a super groove set by Jon Faddis on muted trumpet. Slide Hampton also joins the set with an excellent trombone solo of his own. Another featured guest, Paquito D' Rivera really runs the keys on clarinet with a soulful solo before handing it to Moody for a rich tenor sax solo of his own. Hazeltine is a bit more "heady" with great finesse and dynamics, crowned with brass accents before handing off to Coolman who presents another classic bass solo before closing out the track. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Mary Lou Williams' OW featuring Cedar Walton on piano. With a basis of Lets Fall In Love set by Walton the track takes on real wings. Hampton on trombone blows a great solo followed by a mesmerizing trumpet solo by Jon Faddis. Randy Brecker steps up and rips another strong trumpet solo followed by D' Rivera on clarinet before the rich, soulful sound of Moody on tenor takes the hall. This is a terrific track and a strong closer for an excellent release.
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