Gift of Jazz Presents a Tribute to James Moody with Max Wagner

A Tribute to James Moody featuring saxophonist Max Wagner

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James Moody (1925-2010) was a saxophonist, flutist, vocalist, and educator known for his virtuosic playing, ability to seamlessly blend distinctive styles, and infectious personality. Born in Savannah, Georgia and raised in Newark, NJ, Moody was raised by his single mother and was born partially deaf. An uncle bought Moody his first saxophone when he was 16 years old, and his first musical training came from his arts high school and then the Air Force. After leaving the service in 1946, he joined the Dizzy Gillespie big band, staying until 1948. Gillespie became his musical mentor. In 1949, he moved to Paris for three years, often playing with visiting American musicians, including the Tadd Dameron - Miles Davis band. Moody played predominantly in the bebop and hard bop styles. Quincy Jones called him a “national treasure.”

Max Wagner is a dynamic and accomplished saxophonist and Jazz vocalist. He has received notice in DOWNBEAT magazine, been described by the Denver Post as “a powerful and innovative soloist”, by Westword as “Denver’s candidate for the ‘Alto Madness’ award”, and in the Coloradoan as a “world class Jazz artist”. The Kansas City Star says “Max Wagner’s music is food for the soul.” His latest CDs, “Gratitude” and “Night Song” were each named album of the month by Denver’s nationally top-rated Jazz radio station, KUVO; and also received national airplay. He lives by the premise that in music, and in Jazz in particular, "saying something” is still the bottom line.

Max Wagner - alto sax and vocals

Dave Hanson - piano

Gonzalo Teppa - bass

Mike Marlier - drums