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The Bob Lark / Phil Woods Quintet: In Her Eyes
ByThis is a serving of some good old fashioned straight-ahead jazz, including six new Lark compositions and four others, laced with excellent solos that are filled with energy and intensity. Lark plays trumpet on six tracks, flugekhorn on the others. His first shot on the flugelhorn is on the wonderful "Abruzzi," which features an enchanting melody and stylish solos by both Woods and Lark. Next comes the catchy, rhythm-based "Ravenswood," a rather lively and hip tune. The group goes south with the Latin jazz sounds of "Mad Dan's," showcasing a blazing sax solo from Woods followed by a moving trumpet chorus from Lark.
McNeely leads in on a nice piano intro to Lark's soft and relaxing eight-minute title piece, which is marked by back and forth choruses from both Woods and Lark. The rhythm section shows off on "Roatan" with impressive displays by McNeely, Gilmore and Goodwin. Phil Woods takes off on his "Bouquet Chorale," joined by McNeely's crisp run on piano and later engaged by Lark on flugelhorn. The Doctor is definitely in the house on the loud finale, "As A Lark"which is full of solos from everyone except the bassistmaking a screaming trumpet statement.
Bob Lark blows up a storm and altoist Phil Woods catches fire on this smoking quintet performance. Terrific new charts by Lark, combined with a supporting cast of legends and veterans, help make In Her Eyes a dish you'll want to sample often.
Track Listing
It's You Or No Me; Abruzzi; Ravenswood; Mad Dan's; In Her Eyes; Roatan; Charlie's Wig; Q's Delight; Bouquet Chorale; As A Lark.
Personnel
Bob Lark
trumpetBob Lark: trumpet, flugelhorn; Phil Woods: alto saxophone; Jim McNeely: piano; Steve Gilmore: bass; Bill Goodwin: drums.
Album information
Title: In Her Eyes | Year Released: 2006 | Record Label: Jazzed Media