Customer Reviews

Moody's Mood for Love

5 star:		(10)
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King Pleasure is a much lesser known than his old rival Eddie Jefferson, and the debate continues today over who actually wrote the famous lyrics to "I'm in the Mood for Love" (aka "Moody's Mood" aka the "there I go there I go there I go" song), although EJ's version is the one that was hugely popular in the 50s and featured on a Gap ad back in the early 90s.

This album includes two versions of that song, as well as a vocalese rendition of "That Old Black Magic" called "Diaper Pin" which contains the clever wordplay used in the title of this review. This is simply a must-have for any fan of vocal jazz.

One note on the Freestyle Fellowship reference below:
I think the reviewer has a valid point. Vocalese is produced by taking popular instrumental jazz solos and using them as melodies for new lyrics, while Freestyle Fellowship was one of the first hip-hop groups to incorporate improvised melodies into their rap lyrics, some of which are improvised (freestyle) themselves. So I think that was a wonderful connection to make.

I wouldn't call this guy a psycho, nor do I think of Freestyle Fellowship when I hear him (see other review), but I do agree that he is one of the jazz world's most underrated singers. This album contains many classics, but my personal favorite will always be "Don't Get Scared", a great duo with Jon Hendricks. He does not possess a great voice, though it IS good, but does have an extraordinary ability to swing. A classic.

This collection picks up where his Prestige And HI-Fi Recordings left off. You get not only his Long-Out-Of-Print 1962 album entitled "Mr. Jazz" presented in it's entirety! In STEREO!, but 1 (One) Unreleased recording, Plus 8 Tracks released only
on 78's And 45's making they're appearence on Compact Disc for the first time!, Thus giving you a total of 18 (Eighteen) slices of pure musical delight...Who could ask for more? Upon hearing this Disc, Plus his other recordings you'll quickly hear where several jazz vocalist picked up on his vocal style...And ran with it!

I was so pleased to find this CD at Amazon. I used to have King Pleasure on an LP many years ago and always loved King Pleasure's version of Moody's Mood For Love. I used to play it over and over until I learned all the words; not an easy task! I highly recommend this CD to anyone who is into that era of Jazz. Thanks MovieMars and Amazon!

What a great voice and a great talent. A slow voice sweeter than a honeyed mango, and he occasionally scats lines very clearly. A must have for Pleasure fans!

This album is a must, for all who claim to be Jazz heads. A true American Classic. A timeless hit, reminds me of the old days in Jersey, when Franky Crocker Had his late show comming out of NEW YORK. Mood for love would close the show. Man how we loved those days. Johnny Rivera

I bought this as a gift for my dad and grandpa. He loves this CD and it is actually not easy to come by because it is very old. They recieved it within a week, called me that day and they loved it. Listened to it all day. Thanks for helping me making my dad and grampa very happy.

Todays music is not very good, But to hear the vocals of King and the band is refreshing for the times we live in now. Uplifting and enjoyable, back to the good ol days of sound and class. Thanks King! JimmyMac... Clifton Heights Pa.

Wonderful jazz rendition. If you never heard of him, take a chance. Some very interesting tracks on this cd.

I love this guy! He's a bi-polar psycho singing love songs. C'mon, his name is "king Pleasure." That name is like a Bat Man super villan.

Plus Pleasure flexes maniacal skills. Pleasure easily kicks mel tormes ass, as far as melodic and rythmic vocal gymnastics go.

Hip hoppers looking to pick up some science should seriously peep this. I hear Freestyle Fellowship when I hear this. Mad Mad Mad Science!

By the way, this CD is like a King Pleasure "Best Of" and is a great place to start.