Phil Woods

It's little surprise that the Phil Woods Quintet shines during this collection of standards from the movies, but their fresh approach to each of these very familiar songs is what makes this release special. With charts by the leader, trumpeter Brian Lynch, and pianist Jim McNeely, the group devours each of the nine pieces with strong solos and beautiful interplay to boot. "You and the Night and the Music" gets things off to a brisk beginning, with bassist Steve Gilmore initially playing the melody with tasty unison licks behind him. Both of Branislau Kaper's songs ("Invitation" and "On Green Dolphin Street") are old warhorses that would seem to be in danger of overexposure, but both pieces feature off-of-center arrangements that make them stand out from the slew of recordings available of them. The only reason to hesitate to purchase this Japanese CD on the Venus label is that it was reissued the following year by Evidence with an additional track ("Over the Rainbow") which was omitted from the original release. In any case, it is an essential CD for fans of the great Phil Woods. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide