I saw James Moody in 2003 at the Hamakua Music Festival and even at age 77 he was still at the top of his game. The jazz festival, an anual event in Honokaa, Hawaii, was only 20 minutes up the Hamakua coast from our home (I moved to the Tampa, Fl area a year ago) in Onomea Bay on the Big Island. In addition to his trademark "Moody's Mood for Love" (made famous, by the way, by King Pleasure....at least the vocal version), he also did the ever-humorous "Benny's from Heaven". It brought the house down. One of highlights of the show was his 16 year old pianist, a prodigy from Kyrgyzstan named Eldar Djangirov. Not only was he great in a traditional jazz quartet setting, but also did a solo rendition of a Wayne Shorter composition that made grown men cry, me in particular. I didn't touch a keyboard for 6 months after that concert. On top of that, the kid was very personable and likeable.....damn kids. Another interesting fact; on the same bill was guitarist Mundell Lowe, age 80 at the time (2003) and still going strong. Slowed a little, but still out there doing it. Should be an inspiration to all of us ol' farts on this board. For you country fans, on the bill the previous night was Rita Coolidge, still a beautiful woman at age 57. She was very good and seemed very proud of her Native American heritage. Anyhow.......

Peace,

chas