The appearance on the Bermuda Festival stage tonight of multi-instrumentalist, band leader and composer James Moody, with his band and renowned trumpeter Randy Brecker, is certain to delight local jazz fans.

For more than 60 years, saxophone master Mr. Moody has serenaded lovers with his signature song, 'Moody's Mood for Love', an improvisation on the chord progressions of 'I'm in the Mood for Love'.

Born in Savannah, Georgia in 1925, Mr. Moody first took up the saxophone at the age of 16. Within a few years he fell under the spell of the deeper, more full-bodied tenor sax after hearing Buddy Tate and Don Byas perform with the Count Basie Band.

Following service in the US Air Force during the Second World War, Mr. Moody joined the seminal beebop band of 'Dizzy' Gillespie, which gave him worldwide exposure and an opportunity to shape his improvisational genius.

Since then, he has lived in Europe and the US, playing and recording with a Who's Who of jazz. The word 'legendary' is barely adequate to describe the artist and his work.

With a sterling reputation among the younger generation of jazz enthusiasts, trumpeter Randy Brecker is perhaps best known for his work with his brother Michael. The son of a distinguished piano player, Randy began playing R&B and funk as a teenager, but always had an ear for hard bop. In 1965 he won the Notre Dame jazz festival, and then toured the Middle East and Asia for the State Department. Moving to New York City, he played with the likes of Clarke Terry's Big Band, the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, and the Duke Pearson Big Band.

Equally at ease in pop and jazz, Mr. Brecker was a member of Blood, Sweat and Tears. Later, he formed the seminal fusion group Dreams with brother Michael. The Brecker brothers were among the most in-demand session musicians, appearing on recording projects by a number of great modern names, and their band, The Brecker Brothers, had immeasurable influence and impact on modern culture.

Mr. Brecker has gone on to play with such greats as Charles Mingus, Frank Zappa, Jaco Pastorius, and others.

Jazz is often referred to as "timeless" music, and the appearance on the Bermuda Festival stage of two musicians from different generations who speak the same musical language heralds outstanding performances tonight and tomorrow night at the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts.

Showtime is 8 p.m. For further information/tickets see the special Bermuda Festival calendar or visit website www.bermudafestival.org