Jazz Articles about Phil Woods

Phil Woods: Unheard Herd

by Jack Bowers
March 12, 2006

Phil Woods Unheard Herd Jazzed Media 2006

As a reviewer, I am privileged to receive and hear a veritable boatload of albums from big bands all over the world, but Unheard Herd has done something none of those others could -- it has actually made me feel young again. Listening to alto saxophonist Phil Woods and the Los Angeles Jazz Orchestra masterfully redesign such classics as “Keen and Peachy, “Yardbird Suite, “More Moon and ...

Phil Woods Quintet Live at Nick's Cafe in Lauren, Holland

by Ken Dryden
October 11, 2005

Gene Parrish's syndicated radio program Worldwide Jazz is not one that I've heard very often over the years, so this circa 1996 broadcast of the Phil Woods Quintet at Nick's Café in Lauren, Holland, was a special treat.The alto saxophonist's quintet at the time was a strong one (when isn't Woods leading a great band?), featuring trumpeter Brian Lynch, pianist Bill Charlap, plus his long time rhythm section, bassist Steve Gilmore and drummer Bill Goodwin.They kick ...

Phil Woods: A Life in E Flat

by Jim Santella
September 1, 2005

Phil Woods A Life in E Flat Jazzed Media 2005

Intertwined with a one-hour documentary about the life of Phil Woods in his own words comes a musical collage of shorts from the making of his recent album, This is How I Feel About Quincy.

We learn about the staunch character that has driven this artist from his 12-year-old start on the alto saxophone, through early development and his introduction ...

Phil Woods: Groovin' to Marty Paich

by Jim Santella
July 6, 2005

Recorded at a concert in Los Angeles last year honoring the memory and the music of Marty Paich, thirteen straight-ahead jazz veterans got together under the leadership of pianist Christian Jacob to recall the West Coast Cool sound that has become a legend in our time. Featuring Phil Woods, the ensemble invites a big band sound without all the accoutrements. Limited in size, but certainly not in scope or creative prowess, the small band gets a big sound. ...

Phil Woods: Groovin' to Marty Paich

by C. Michael Bailey
April 20, 2005

Phil Woods Groovin' to Marty Paich Jazzed Media 2005

In its quiet and amiable way, Phil Woods- Groovin' to Marty Paich is one of the most significant recordings of this year. Recorded at the Los Angeles International Airport Sheraton Hotel on May 30, 2004, the music on Groovin' to Marty Paich is almost too humble about its auspicious beginnings. The story of this music begins almost 50 years ago in the mind and talent ...

Meet Phil Woods

by Craig Jolley
April 12, 2005

There is no need to introduce Phil Woods to a jazz audience, but it should be mentioned that he is now as active as ever, turning out quality CD's and videos, playing concerts with his popping quintet, posting outrageous and hilarious notes on his website, and generally refusing to fade away. A Life in E flat The first album I did for Graham Carter out of Denver was the Mancini Album with Carl Saunders. He wanted to do ...

Phil Woods: A Life in E-Flat

by Jack Bowers
April 3, 2005

Phil Woods A Life in E-Flat Jazzed Media 2005

Most Jazz musicians, and especially those who've been around for a number of years, have interesting stories to tell, about themselves and some of the characters they've known and worked with. Of course, some tell them better than others, which often bears no relationship to how well they play their axe. Phil Woods is not only a great musician (he says so himself) but a ...