JAZZ HOUSE COLLECTIVE
- Montclair Jazz Festival
- Jul 22, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 7
🎷 JAZZ HOUSE Collective Honors James Moody at 2025 Montclair Jazz Festival
At this year’s Montclair Jazz Festival Downtown Jamboree, one of the most moving performances will come from the JAZZ HOUSE Collective, as they celebrate the life and legacy of one of New Jersey’s greatest musical treasures — James Moody.
A saxophonist, flutist, composer, and international jazz legend, Moody’s joyful spirit and groundbreaking contributions to modern jazz continue to inspire generations. This tribute is part of the festival’s annual salute to a Legacy Artist, and for 2025, no choice could be more fitting than Newark-born James Moody, whose iconic improvisation and positive energy left a lasting mark on the jazz world.
🎶 A Homegrown Tribute from JAZZ HOUSE Collective
Led by Nathan Eklund, teaching artist at JAZZ HOUSE KiDS, the JAZZ HOUSE Collective is a powerhouse ensemble of accomplished teaching artists and alumni from the JAZZ HOUSE program. Known for electrifying performances and deep musical storytelling, the group brings heart, swing, and a deep sense of purpose to every note.
For this performance, they’ll be diving into Moody’s unforgettable repertoire — from “Moody’s Mood for Love” to lesser-known gems that showcase his bebop brilliance and genre-crossing creativity.
“Moody wasn’t just a great musician — he was a force of light,” says McBride. “He brought joy and humor into jazz, and he mentored so many. This performance is our way of saying thank you.”
📍 Catch It Live at the Downtown Jamboree
The Downtown Jamboree, Montclair’s largest free music festival, transforms the heart of the town into a family-friendly, all-day celebration of music, food, and community. The JAZZ HOUSE Collective’s tribute to James Moody is a can’t-miss set — celebrating not only a jazz icon but also the spirit of mentorship and local legacy that defines this festival.
Bring a blanket, grab some local eats, and prepare to be transported by the sound of one legend interpreted by the next generation.
🎷 About the JAZZ HOUSE Collective
Formed under the banner of JAZZ HOUSE KiDS, the JAZZ HOUSE Collective represents the best of the nonprofit’s mission: building community, providing world-class jazz education, and creating unforgettable musical experiences. Its members are some of today’s top-performing and recording artists, deeply committed to passing the torch to the next generation.
🎺 Join us at the 2025 Montclair Jazz Festival Downtown Jamboree to celebrate James Moody, a jazz great who always kept the music joyful — and the mood bright.
📣 Follow @montclairjazzfest and @jazzhousekids for performance times, artist updates, and behind-the-scenes content all summer long.
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