James Moody, Al Cohn – Too Heavy for Words (2017) [FLAC 24bit/88,2kHz]

James Moody, Al Cohn – Too Heavy for Words (2017)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/88,2 kHz | Time – 44:54 minutes | 843 MB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © MPS

Tenor sax battles have been an indelible part of jazz, as witnessed by the legendary Coleman Hawkins/Lester Young battles, the classic Dexter Gordon/Wardell Gray albums, and the Rollins/Coltrane “Tenor Madness”. Add this 1971 skirmish between James Moody and Al Cohn to the list. A mainstay in Gillespie’s big band and quintet, Moody worked with many of the music’s greats. His solo on I’m in the Mood for Love is a jazz classic. Cohn is recognized for his part in Woody Herman’s famous Four Brothers tenor sax section, as well as his quintet with fellow tenor great Zoot Sims.[Moody and Cohn grew out of many of the same influences, and the two speak the same language: bop. They are backed by the exceptional rhythm section of legendary pianist Barry Harris, bassist Sam Jones, and drummer Billy Brooks. Harris takes a Monkish intro on East of the Sun, with Moody’s aggressive solo style set in congenial contrast to Cohn’s more relaxed behind-the-beat play. After Harris’ solo, James and Al trade fours. Moody is featured on his charming ballad Vezzioso; a sense of Strayhorn runs through the piece, as Moody triple-times through the changes, while Harris keeps it slow and lovely. The two tenors are back together having fun on Tad Dameron’s jazz classic Good Bait; Moody takes off, while Cohn keeps it low-down and easy.

J.J. Johnson’s blues We Dot is played at a bopping up-tempo; Al takes the first solo followed by James. There’s an extended Harris solo before Moody begins trading choruses with Cohn. With his laid-back, bluesy rendition of The Underdog, Cohn contributes a ballad of his own. On his relaxed-and-swinging Mr. George, Cohn takes the first solo, followed by Moody and Harris. The tenors then take turns trading eights with the drums, with Al taking first dibs. It’s a harmonious clash between like-minded tenor sax giants who are too heavy for words!

Tracklist:

01. James Moody – East of the Sun (06:25)
02. James Moody – Vezzioso (08:55)
03. James Moody – Good Bait (07:00)
04. James Moody – Wee Dot (10:30)
05. James Moody – The Underdog (04:53)
06. James Moody – Mr. George (07:09)

Download from FileJoker: