With a mere 140 years of performing experience between them, James Moody and Hank Jones finally decided to sit down and bounce some ideas off each other and Our Delight was born.
The quartet along with Moody (tenor sax and flute) and Jones (piano) is Todd Colman (bass) and Adam Nussbaum (drums). This quartet turns out some gorgeous compositions, 12 in total, and each one has their own distinct personality thanks to the consistency and all around excellence of every musician involved.
The band covers Gillespie to Stitt and beyond. The only original on the album is “Darben The Red Foxx,” an interesting and thought provoking title with the inference to deceased comedian Red Foxx.
Primarily this album holds back on the jumpin’ swing until it reaches “Eternal Struggle” and picks it up again on “Woody ‘N” You.” The boys let their proverbial hair down as they see fit and how it pertains to each selection, not willing to push any boundaries and experiment as such. Even so, this is beautiful music and these immaculate artists interpret all of it beautifully. Prior to the upbeat and engaging numbers, what you get is some soothing and eloquent tracks that let you melt into your chair. Not to say they do not have any big band swing, they do but with a softer touch that does not bring you up too high, it just decides to let you down easy every time when there is a change of pace that is noticeable.
At any pace, Our Delight is your delight if you are a true jazz fan and appreciate what the older gentleman of the genre can accomplish when they join forces. Any angle you look at this CD it is a clear-cut winner and definitive jazz.
