Phil Woods - New Jazz Quintet & Quartet

2015 European CD collection.

When altoist Phil Woods (1931-2015) made his leader debut on record in 1954 his major influence was Bird, but his own style was already emerging on both his first album and on the second, recorded the following year with the same quintet. With four men, including Woods, in their 20sbassist Teddy Kotick was the sole veteranthe group was full of fire and vigour; trumpeter Eardley, later to join Gerry Mulligan, made his recording debut here, as did pianist George Syran and drummer Nick Stabulas. But both 10-inch albums have much more than youthful zest to commend them. The playing is rich, accurate and full of imagination, with stimulating originals garnished by the warm and sensitive soloing of Woods and Eardley in particular, their assured contributions ably backed by a rhythm section solidly buttressed by Teddy Kotick, who had played with Bird, Getz and others.

Woodlore, the third album here, was Woods first 12-inch LP of his own, and the first set on which he was the only horn. His swinging alto is moving and emotional, with an almost ferocious individuality of conception, and the rhythm section, with John Williams on piano, and again with Stabulas and a superb Kotick, exuberantly embraces the group temperament and intensity of pulsation.

Sources:
Tracks #1-4, from the 10-inch album "New Jazz Quintet" (New Jazz NJLP1104)
Tracks #5-8, from the 10-inch album "New Jazz Quintet - Encores" (Prestige PRLP191)
Tracks #9-14, from the 12-inch album "Woodlore" (Prestige LP7018)

Personnel on "New Jazz Quintet":
Jon Eardley, trumpet; Phil Woods, alto sax; George Syran, piano; Teddy Kotick, bass; Nick Stabulas, drums.
Recorded at Van Gelders Studio, Hackensack, New Jersey, on October 12, 1954

Personnel on Encores:
Jon Eardley, trumpet; Phil Woods, alto sax; George Syran, piano; Teddy Kotick, bass; Nick Stabulas, drums.
Recorded at Van Gerders Studio Hackensack, New Jersey, on February 4, 1955

Personnel on "Woodlore":
Phil Woods, alto sax; John Williams, piano; Teddy Kotick, bass; Nick Stabulas, drums.
Recorded at Van Gelders Studio, Hackensack, New Jersey, on November 25, 1955