I thought that we had come to the end of the current Rifftides series of James Moody entries until I heard from a reader who wondered why she had never heard Moody’s “I’m in the Mood for Love.” That is a puzzle, given the record’s ubiquity, but if even one person has the pleasure of hearing it for the first time, how can we refuse? Here is Moody’s 1949 recording with the Swedish All-Stars, followed by King Pleasure (Clarence Beeks) in 1952 singing Eddie Jefferson’s lyric set to Moody’s solo. Blossom Dearie sings the bridge originally improvised by pianist Thore Swaneberg. I’m glad our reader asked. This is a good way to start the week.
Doug Ramsey on Jazz and other matters...
That was too cool. I hadn’t heard James` version in a dog’s age and don’t believe I have EVER heard the King Pleasure!
It’s awful to hear the news on Mr. Moody as he is a constant in my jazz collection. What a contribution he made to the canon and to my enjoyment of this music.
I’m not suggesting this for Rifftides. You’ve done so many great items on Moody already. But I thought you might appreciate hearing it.
http://www.capradio.org/articles/2010/12/13/remembering-james-moody
(Everyone might appreciate hearing Mr. Conley’s 1996 radio visit with Moody. Click on the link above.—DR)