James Moody: 'Moody With Strings,' 1960-'61

The saxophonist and flutist teamed with arranger Torrie Zito for this gem

James Moody was special as a musician, a loving husband and a jazz ambassador. He was routinely in the hippest jazz settings throughout his career, and he recorded so much great music and had so much to say on his instruments. His sound on the alto and tenor saxophones was as smooth as silk. He was soulful on ballads and rabbit-fast on uptempo tunes. His flute playing also was gorgeous. Everyone loved him.