Phil Woods In Inspired Form With a Big Band
John Tapscott | Canada | 11/10/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Alto saxophonist Phil Woods always sounds quite inspired in a big band setting, whether back in his days with Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones and Oliver Nelson, through his recordings with the Boss Brass, his own Little Big Band, the Celebration Orchestra, and others. That brings us to May 2006 when Phil collaborated with the DePaul University Jazz Ensemble directed by Bob Lark. "Swingchronicity" on Jazzed Media is the resulting CD and it is a fine addition to Phil's discography.
Recorded live at the famous Chicago Jazz Showcase, the CD features Phil Woods in exuberant and creative form as the featured soloist on 7 of the CD's 10 selections. (He does not play on tracks 8-10). The first six selections are familiar jazz standards with fairly straightforward and swinging arrangements. Highlights of this section include Quincy Jones' attractively swinging "Stockholm Sweetnin'; a lovely ballad performance by Phil on Chris' Madsen's chart of "Never Let Me Go"; and an uptempo romp on Thomas Matta's chart of "It's You or No One", which also features Bob Lark on flugelhorn. On tracks 6-10 the CD takes a turn into somewhat more advanced big band material including "Rosenwind" by Jim McNeely featuring Woods and trumpeter Dan Jonas. Woods, of course, has no trouble mastering this advanced material. "Norwegian Summer" begins as a somewhat moody and reflective chart, but then moves into a medium tempo section alternating between swing and samba. This fine chart is by band member Lena Lien who solos on alto saxophone along with trumpeter Justin Surdyn. "Skittish" is a fourteen minute exploration by McNeely featuring the band's rhythm section, especially the modern sounding guitar of Scott Hesse, as soloists. This advanced chart generally swings, but requires close attention from both band and listeners. "Recessions" is a swinging, modal-sounding Thomas Matta chart which brings the CD to a powerful conclusion. Alto soloist Nick Mazzarella sounds like he has been inspired by Woods' presence on the bandstand.
The DePaul band is never less than professional and polished in its ensemble playing and in the solo work by 10 soloists. Vibraphonist Justin Thomas adds a most welcome sound to the band, in both ensemble and solo roles. The sound quality is good and listenable, though the fairly wide stereo spread perhaps lessens the sharp definition of the band's sections. On initial hearing you get the impression that you are listening in a room with a low ceiling, but your ears soon adjust. Fans of the bass trombone will enjoy this CD, as that particular instrument (played by Brian Honsberger) is very well recorded.
Overall, "Swingchronicity" is a very enjoyable modern jazz CD. It is easily recommended to both Phil Woods fans and to fans of modern, swinging big band jazz who don't mind dipping occasionally into the more advanced end of the big band spectrum."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1