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Overview

During a major portion of his career, Phil Woods predominately led a quartet or quintet, so the opportunity to work with his Little Big Band gave him a special pleasure, by expanding both the brass and reeds to an octet. His third release to feature the octet includes his working quintet at the time, including trombonist Hal Crook, pianist Jim McNeely, plus his longtime rhythm section, bassist Steve Gilmore and drummer Bill Goodwin. Guests include Woods' former sideman trumpeter/flugelhornist Tom Harrell, alto and baritone saxophonist Nick Brignola, plus alto and tenor saxophonist Nelson Hill. Although the economics of touring with a band this size made it impossible to tour, the musicians dove into the difficult arrangements with plenty of gusto and end up sounding as if they had been playing them in concert for months. McNeely's challenging "Real Life" is especially inspired, while Woods is joined by both Brignola and Hill on alto saxes for a bluesy rendition of "Quill," a tribute to Woods' former partner, Gene Quill. The leader switches to clarinet for the powerful "Waltz for Harry," written in memory of Woods' former guitarist, Harry Leahey; Harrell's warm flugelhorn and McNeely's piano solo are also featured. Harrell's "Sail Away," one of his most important compositions, is arranged by Woods to feature Crook's potent trombone. The program ends with a boisterous rendition of Woods' usual set closer, including snatches of several pieces, among them Dizzy Gillespie's famous introduction to "All the Things You Are," a blistering bit of "52nd Street Theme," plus the closing tags of "Salt Peanuts" and "Harlem Nocturne." Sadly, this would be the final recording of this octet, as the death of Nick Brignola in 2002 prevented a reunion of this particular lineup of jazz all-stars. ~ Ken Dryden

Product Details

Release Date: 07/01/1991
Label: Chesky Records
UPC: 0090368004727
Rank: 141837

Tracks

  1. Real Life
  2. Quill
  3. Idols
  4. Loose Change
  5. Waltz for Harry
  6. Sail Away
  7. Laddy Buck
  8. Bouquet
  9. Viable Blues
  10. How's Your Mama? (Phil's Theme)

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Phil Woods' Little Big Band   Primary Artist
Phil Woods   Primary Artist,Clarinet,Sax (Alto)
Tom Harrell   Prp,Trumpet,Flugelhorn
Bill Goodwin   Drums
Hal Crook   Trombone
Steve Gilmore   Bass
Nelson Hill   Sax (Alto),Sax (Tenor)
Jim McNeely   Piano
Nick Brignola   Sax (Alto),Sax (Baritone)

Technical Credits

Hal Galper   Composer
Tom Harrell   Composer
David Chesky   Producer
Bill Goodwin   Associate Producer
Phil Woods   Arranger,Composer,Performer
Hal Crook   Arranger,Composer
Jill Goodwin   Associate Producer
Scott Meynig   Cover Art,Paintings,Cover Painting
Norman Chesky   Executive Producer
Bob Katz   Engineer
Bill Allen   Assistant Engineer
Jeremy Kipnis   Editing
Jim McNeely   Arranger,Composer
Roy Spangenthal   Project Coordinator
Steve Guttenberg   Assistant Producer,Associate Producer
Larry Smith   Technical Supervisor
David King   Photography
Bret Primack   Liner Notes
Lynette Meynig   Cover Art,Paintings,Cover Painting
Sal Cappi   Production Assistant
Hal Wilson   Design,Art Direction
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