JAMES MOODY – 1951 | The Chronogical Classics – 1388 (2005) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

In need of rest and recuperation after suffering under the twin scourges of alcoholism and Benzedrine addiction, saxophonist James Moody backed away from the scene in 1948 and took off to stay with his uncle in Paris for a couple of weeks, only to remain overseas for three years, making great jazz records with some of Europe's finest young players. Volume four in the Classics James Moody chronology assembles all of the recordings he made for the Metronome and Vogue labels in Stockholm and Paris between January 24 and July 27, 1951. The opening tracks, culled from the Swedish portion of the survey, are greatly enhanced by the presence of baritone saxophonist Lars Gullin, a marvelous improviser whose tonalities blend beautifully with Moody's tenor. On "Pennies From Heaven" and "Cherokee," Moody and the rhythm section are backed by a modest string ensemble; here the sonic chemistry is so pleasantly integrated as to warrant comparison with Charlie Parker's own adventures in chamber music. The next leg of Moody's European odyssey finds him backed by a rhythm section with conga drums and a huge string and wind orchestra under the direction of André Hodier. Using alto and tenor saxophones, Moody navigates well even when the monstrous ensemble threatens to engulf him. It's a relief to hear him two weeks later blowing alto sax and leading a quintet comprised of trumpeter Roger Guerin and the same trio that was used with Hodier's Orchestre: pianist Raymond Fol, bassist Pierre Michelot and drummer Pierre Lemarchand. Longtime Moody fans will thrill to hear the enclosed version of "I Cover the Waterfront," destined to serve as the basis for Eddie Jefferson's famous vocalese version on James Moody's 1956 Flute 'n the Blues album. arwulf arwulf  
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