"Moody's Mood for Love"
is jazz saxophonist James Moody's 1949 instrumental solo based on Jimmy
McHugh's 1935 song "I'm in the Mood for Love" with lyrics later added
by Eddie Jefferson.
James Moody created his improvised solo in 1949 on
a visit to Sweden. Moody’s version clearly shows the influence of Charlie
Parker.In 1952, jazz singer Eddie Jefferson wrote lyrics to this improvisation
by Moody, a practice known as vocalese. This particular arrangement of the song
did not come to be known by its now common title of "Moody's Mood for
Love" until King Pleasure released a very popular vocal version in 1954.
Following King Pleasure's successful hit version of
"Moody's Mood for Love" Jimmy McHugh the original author of "I'm
in the Mood for Love" sued for copyright infringement and won a partial
victory in court. He and Moody eventually agreed to share the proceeds on sales
of any versions of the tune. King Pleasure's version included vocals by Blossom
Dearie as well as instrumental contributions from Teacho and Band.
Other artists who later released renditions of the
song include Van Morrison, George Benson, Aretha Franklin from "Hey Now
Hey (The Other Side of the Sky)", Queen Latifah, Tito Puente, Kermit Ruffins,
The Ray Gelato Giants, Amy Winehouse, Chuck Brown, Mina, The Guess Who and Georgie
Fame. In 1995 Quincy Jones released a multi-harmony version of the track with
his album Q's Jook Joint featuring the artists Take 6 in collaboration with Brian
McKnight.
Featuring James Moody Brian McKnight Take6 & Rachelle Ferrel
Moody's Mood For Love - Take 6, Brian McKnight, Patti Austin LIVE
James Moody - I'm in the Mood for Love
Check out this recording of James Moody playing "I'm in the Mood for Love," with a great intro and outro by Dizzy! Thank your for your music, spirit, and genius, James!
