Articles

Benjamin Koppel featuring Phil Woods and the Alex Riel Trio: Pass the Bebop

By Ken Dryden

Even though Phil Woods jokes at every opportunity that, “Emphysema is nature's way of telling you that you're playing too fast, the alto saxophonist still brings a special touch to any recording date, as he remains one of the most inventive improvisers on his instrument with a sound that is always recognizable within a few seconds. Woods is also no stranger to playing in small groups with a second altoist, having recorded a number of sessions with Gene Quill and ...

Benjamin Koppel: Hammond Street

By Mark F. Turner

With the popularity of Hammond B-3 organ-based recordings, it's becoming hard to differentiate one from another. Ever since the patriarchal organ sounds of Jimmy Smith's hot greased soul and Larry Young's smooth sophistication, the organ combo has flourished. Copenhagen alto saxophonist Benjamin Koppel offers his spin on the idiom with Hammond Street. Koppel is a versatile and gifted player who has led ensembles in jazz, crossover and classical music. He's an alto stylist with a tone similar ...

Benjamin Koppel featuring Phil Woods: Pass The Bebop

By Michael P. Gladstone

Danish alto saxophonist Benjamin Koppel has always been inspired by the bebop masters. When altoist Phil Woods was in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2005, Koppel invited the American legend to join him and the Alex Riel Trio in a recording session. Koppel supplied seven original bebop tunes, while Woods selected two standards, “How High The Moon" and “Autumn Leaves," for the session.

Woods just celebrated his 75th birthday. He could very well be the hardest working jazz musician in ...