Phil Woods corner

[EKE BBB]

Given the controversy on Phil Woods at the Gene Quill thread, we may open a proper place for PhW discussion.

[EKE BBB]

A few points:

Don't miss the "Three Bones and a Quill" album. The bones (Jimmy Cleveland, Jim Dahl, and Frank Rehak) and Quill were all members of Johnny Richards orchestra, and the togetherness shows. Haven't sat down and studied this, but on the whole I like Quill best when he was apart from Phil Woods; together, things seemed to get a bit too "athletic" for my tastes for both of them, though the time of their partnership was still before Woods came to be rather artificially "hot" IMO. But we've been down that road before; sorry for mentioning it.

but his tone was different in those days, too - edge, not growl, I think - just a little more intense. You felt like he meant it. The Phil Woods of today sounds to me like a synth.

There's an old Xanadu LP that's got some live stuff, I think, with Woods, that was a revelation to me.

I think this is it:

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CDEQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.xanadurecords.com%2Fpdfs%2Finternationaljamsessions.pdf&ei=PpqYT8f5C-rF0QGTheyJBw&usg=AFQjCNHPMKojqO9ojPI1vx9Q5rnnEiH5Yg&sig2=L2GtYd_blqHx2w2at_NIrw

in the 50s Woods still had a wonderful edge, I know what Larry means (I think). Later he became a bit machine-like.

[fasstrack]

I think players hit certain peaks and recede to certain valleys. When they're the greats-as Phil at his best deserves to be called-it's never less than interesting. I believe Phil plays as he is: a very emotional guy. I think he's at his best bringing out that million-dollar sound (which as one of the great lead players alone can be heard on more recordings than most realize). He was less enjoyable IMO indulging in Hodges-like swoops (in that wonderful band w/Tom Harrell, et al). Too much 'apple jack', I guess (; . For me as soloist Phil from '57-'61 (esp. in '61) was magical: compositional, swung his tail off, found unexpected bends in the road a la Pres. The romanticism of the '70s playing laid it on more-but it was put to good use w/for instance Michel Legrand (a composer I have mixed feelings about). Don't forget he was mired in studio work and dying to play jazz-hence came charging out like a bull when he did. Let's not forget the great stuff inbetween with Art Farmer and Sergio Mendes. His 'heat' is real

Edited April 5, 2013 by fasstrack

[jlhoots]

Musique Du Bois

[Free For All]

I've always hoped the Live at the Showboat recordings would be released on CD in their entirety. They were partially released on a Novus CD but much of the session wasn't included. IIRC it was originally a 2 LP set.

Rights of Swing is another good one IMO.

[Head Man]

I've always hoped the Live at the Showboat recordings would be released on CD in their entirety. They were partially released on a Novus CD but much of the session wasn't included. IIRC it was originally a 2 LP set.

It seems that this may have received a Japanese re-issue a few years ago.

There's more information on Phil Wood's forum (yes....he has his own forum!) here:

Phil Woods - Live at The Showboat

Edited June 13, 2012 by Head Man

[Larry Kart]

I... For me as soloist Phil from '57-'61 (esp. in '61) was magical: compositional, swung his tail off, found unexpected bends in the road a la Pres. ...

Yup, especially "compositional."

[Larry Kart]

Some vintage compositional Woods (the first track [mistitled] though quite good, is surpassed IMO by his solos on "Walkin'" and "A Sleeping Bee" from this album, but I can't find them on YouTube):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8YrK05Q4rY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0V_AH-nz0SE

[brownie]

There are plenty Phil Woods albums I enjoy.

Among the best are the ones he recorded during his sojourn this side of the Atlantic with his European Rhythm Machine

[JSngry]

No hat, not silly.

[CraigP]

I've always hoped the Live at the Showboat recordings would be released on CD in their entirety. They were partially released on a Novus CD but much of the session wasn't included. IIRC it was originally a 2 LP set.

Live at the Showboat was indeed a 2 LP set. Curious what people think: is this an example of "prime" Woods, or do folks have issues with it?

[John Tapscott]

I've always hoped the Live at the Showboat recordings would be released on CD in their entirety. They were partially released on a Novus CD but much of the session wasn't included. IIRC it was originally a 2 LP set.

Live at the Showboat was indeed a 2 LP set. Curious what people think: is this an example of "prime" Woods, or do folks have issues with it?

"Prime" Woods, for sure. But not just for Phil, the band was tight and swinging, the tunes and arrangements were generally top-notch, too. Unfortunately the CD reissue left off some of the best tunes, "Little Niles" for example.

Speaking on behalf of fellow "Phil-o-philes" I would say that we definitely consider it one of his very best.

[fasstrack]

I liked Phil's playing a lot on Showboat. He was at the peak of the romanticism I alluded to. I always loved his energy-like a jet plane taking off. He did a beautiful job on Superwoman-melody and solo. Stevie must've been proud. Also I'm glad he gave a shot to Harry Leahey, who deserved one-and played a beautifully warm and melodic solo himself on that tune.

[sidewinder]

There are plenty Phil Woods albums I enjoy.

Among the best are the ones he recorded during his sojourn this side of the Atlantic with his European Rhythm Machine

Indeed ! That band with Gordon Beck and Daniel Humair was excellent.

[John Tapscott]

The infamous 'hat' allegedly responsible for the decline in Phil's playing.

Or perhaps it was this one:

Edited June 13, 2012 by John Tapscott

[BillF]

There are plenty Phil Woods albums I enjoy.

Among the best are the ones he recorded during his sojourn this side of the Atlantic with his European Rhythm Machine

Indeed ! That band with Gordon Beck and Daniel Humair was excellent.

I saw them play at Ronnie's.

[Free For All]

I've always hoped the Live at the Showboat recordings would be released on CD in their entirety. They were partially released on a Novus CD but much of the session wasn't included. IIRC it was originally a 2 LP set.

And yes, there was a hat involved, but I still like the music a lot.

[Free For All]

[paul secor]

What is with the hat? Did he go bald? That's the usual reason guys wear hats these days.

[JSngry]

None of these are bebop alto players in the 1970s and beyond.

Whole 'nother world, that one is.

[Chuck Nessa]

thank god i'm not involved it this thread.

[Larry Kart]

For an example of latter-day Woods at his cheesiest/most un-compositional, check out "Watch What Happens" from this album (which believe it or not I own a copy of):

http://www.amazon.com/American-Songbook-Phil-Woods-Quintet/dp/B000QEILFQ

A blatant piece of bebop pole dancing, IMO.

[danasgoodstuff]

"A blatant piece of bebop pole dancing" If I were to ever issue a late-period PW's boot, this would be the title! Not that I would ever do such a thing, for so many reasons...

[flat5]

Well golly, Larry, the reviews are very favorable.

[AllenLowe]

fifty million tone deaf Frenchmen can't be wrong.....