James Moody
b. 26 February 1925, Savannah, Georgia, USA. Beginning to play saxophones in his mid-teens, Moody developed his abilities as an instrumentalist during a spell in the American armed forces. Discharged in 1946, he joined Dizzy Gillespie's big band (on tenor saxophone), later touring Europe (mostly playing alto saxophone). His 1949 recording of I'm In The Mood For Love became a hit and greatly enhanced his reputation at home and abroad. During the '50s he led a number of small groups, some of which were R&B oriented. In the '50s he also began to play the flute. By the '60s he had become a major figure on the USA club scene and the international festival circuit. An able and melodic soloist on all three of his instruments, Moody is especially effective on ballads.