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Phil Woods: Right To Swing
ByThe center-piece of the album is an all-new revised reprise of the Woods 1960 five-part suite Right Of Swing (Candid, 1960) recorded with an all-star octet. The newly crafted rendition of the classic five-part movementsall performed by the Woods ensemblekicks off the music with the up-tempo part one "Prelude" featuring a penetrating Woods solo and accompaniment from vibraphonist Dave Bugher, trombonist Andy Baker and pianist Pete Benson. Part two is the first warm spot of the disc with Woods and trumpeter Dave Kaiser offering slow but simmering sweet solos on the beautiful and delicate "Ballad." "African Violets," the only jazz waltz of the set, represents the third movement and one in which Woods added new material distinguishing this version from the original.
The medium-tempo groove of "Scherzo" and "Finale" (originally titled "Presto") represent the remaining movements and documents a swinging improvisational Woods delivering some of his best solo shots. The DePaul University Jazz Ensemble, billed as the "Little Big Band" that could, does very adequately as they lay down the music on the remaining five pieces with just a little assistance from the master. Arranged by student Carl Kennedy, "Weak End" begins the big band segment in high-octane style followed by the more restrained, yet powerfully passionate "Hank Jones," and tribute piece to the legendary pianist.
Arranged by trumpeter Paul Dietrich, "Pairing Off" may just be the sizzler of the disc showcasing a pronounced performance by the trumpeter, a surge from the band and of course a solo chorus from Woods to top it off. A clear album highlight here has to be the moving bossa nova-tinged, Cormac McCarthy arranged "Casanova" presenting some of the saxophonist's more passionate solo statements of the recording. The swing comes to full circle on the dynamic "Blues For Lopes" where it's the band more than any individual player making their mark as seven players are featured on individual solo spots.
Adding to his incredible resume of music, Phil Woods shows no signs of slowing down forging another strong and impressive message with this recording. Saxophonist Woods and his Phil Woods Ensemble at DePaul University along with the DePaul University Jazz Ensemble together, produce an explosive session of big band swing, masterful reinterpretations and humble sweet ballads declaring the "Right To Swing" an unalterable decision here to stay.
Track Listing
Prelude; Ballad; African Violets; Scherzo; Finale; Weak End; Hank Jones; Pairing Off; Casanova; Blues For Lopes.
Personnel
Phil Woods
saxophone, altoPhil Woods: alto saxophone; Mark Heibert: alto saxophone, baritone saxophone, soprano saxophone, clarinet; Brent Griffin: alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute; Sean Packard: tenor saxophone, clarinet; Michael Plankey: tenor saxophone, clarinet; Adam Turman: baritone saxophone, bass clarinet; Andy Baker: lead trombone; Kody Glazer: trombone; Alex Wasily: trombone; Bryan Tipps: trombone; Chuck Parrish: lead trumpet, flugelhorn; Tom Klein: trumpet, flugelhorn; David Kaiser: trumpet, flugelhorn; Paul Dietrich: trumpet, flugelhorn; David Bugher: vibraphone; Pete Benson: piano; Kevin Brown guitar; Keith Brooks: drums; Matt Ulery: bass; Juan Pastor: percussion.
Album information
Title: Right To Swing | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Jazzed Media