'Saxophone Summit' Plays Blue Note, 8/24-29

Saxophonist, flautist, composer, and vocalist James Moody has long been considered one of the world's finest jazz musicians. Though originally booked to play this week, Moody has been advised by his doctors to stay at home and rest while he continues to recuperate from gallbladder surgery. This week's performance will instead be a tribute to Moody, and fittingly, some of today's top saxophonists have rallied together to show their appreciation for his life's work and support for a speedy recovery. In the "Saxophone Summit: Salute To James Moody," pianist David Hazeltine, bassist Todd Coolman and drummer Adam Nussbaum will be joined by saxophonists Eric Alexander and Antonio Hart each night. Special guest saxophonists will be joining the band throughout the week, including Chris Potter (Aug. 24), Jimmy Heath (Aug. 26), Lew Tabackin (Aug. 27), Ada Rovatti Brecker (Aug. 28) and Joe Lovano (Aug. 29), among others. Moody has always been a part of the Blue Note family, and along with the incredible artists coming out to support him this week, we wish him a speedy recovery and good health in the future.

Eric Alexander (tenor saxophone), Antonio Hart (alto saxophone), David Hazeltine (piano), Todd Coolman (bass), Adam Nussbaum (drums), with special guest saxophonists Chris Potter (Aug. 24), Jimmy Heath (Aug. 26), Lew Tabackin (Aug. 27), Ada Rovatti Brecker (Aug. 28), and Joe Lovano (Aug. 29). COST: $35 @ table / $20 @ bar.

The Blue Note is located at 131 W 3rd. St, New York, NY 10012. Doors open at 6:00pm. Set times are 8:00pm & 10:30pm.

Considered to be one of the most consistently expressive and enduring figures in modern jazz, Moody began playing jazz professionally at the age of 21 - following service in the United States Air Force - when he joined Dizzy Gillespie's seminal bebop big band. The experience gave him the opportunity to work with and learn from jazz legends including Milt Jackson, Kenny Clark, Ray Brown, and Thelonius Monk. Moody made his debut recording as a leader in 1948 for Blue Note Records. The following year he moved to Europe where he recorded the masterpiece of improvisation for which he is renowned, "Moody's Mood for Love."

After a stint performing with the Las Vegas Hilton Orchestra in the 1970s for luminaries such as Bill Cosby and Ann-Margaret to Elvis Presley and The Osmonds, Moody returned to performing and recording with his own band. He has released over 60 records, received three Grammy Award nominations, and is the recipient of a host of honors including an induction into the International Jazz Hall of Fame (1996), as well as awards like Jazz Master by the National Endowment of the Arts (1998), and a Kennedy Center Living Jazz legend Award (2007), among many others. Moody performed at the White House in 2004 for President Bush and twice in the 1990s for President Clinton. He has also performed twice in Bangkok for the King of Thailand, who is a devoted fan.

Even in his 80s, Moody continues to travel and perform globally, both as a featured guest and as a leader of his own group, the James Moody Quartet (with pianist Renee Rosnes, bassist Todd Coolman, and drummer Adam Nussbaum). Moody plays regularly with the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All-Stars and the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All-Stars Big Band, and also often collaborates with trumpeter, composer, and conductor Jon Faddis - also a Gillespie alumnus.

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