James Moody with the MCG Jazz Quartet

James Moody & the MCG Quartet

There aren’t many of them left, the original bebop masters, and as one of those bold souls, Moody is a great treasure of American culture. Whether Moody is playing the soprano, alto, tenor, or flute, he does so with deep resonance and wit.

Moody was a charter member of Dizzy Gillespie’s 1948 groundbreaking bebop orchestra, playing alongside other greats like Kenny Clark, Ray Brown, Thelonious Monk and Milt Jackson. This led to a lifelong friendship and collaboration with Gillespie. Moody’s resume also includes a Grammy Award in 1985 for his playing on the Manhattan Transfer’s Vocalese album. Moody may be 83, but he still plays with the exuberance that has made him a household name for years.

James will appear with accomplished trombonist Jay Ashby, guitarist Martin Ashby, bassist Dwayne Dolphin, and drummer Roger Humphries. Jay is a multiple Grammy award-winning player, producer, engineer and educator, having worked with Nancy Wilson, Paquito D’Rivera, and the New York Voices. He last appeared at the Dakota with Vinicius Cantuaria.

Guitarist Martin Ashby has won several Grammy awards as well. Equally busy as a performer and businessman, Ashby has performed with Claudio Roditi, Slide Hampton, and Max Roach, and directed tours for the New York Voices. He is the Director of The Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, a community arts organization based in the Pittsburgh area.

Dwayne Dolphin started his career with the Wynton Marsalis Quintet, and has since appeared with numerous artists in the jazz, blues, and funk worlds, including Hank Jones, Abbey Lincoln, and Maceo Parker.

Roger Humphries has virtually written his own book on jazz and bop drumming. Starting his career with Stanley Turrentine and Shirley Horn, Humphries has also spent time with Horace Silver (appearing on 3 of Silver’s best known records) and the Ray Charles Big Band.

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