Phil Woods Groovin' To Marty Paich CD

An amazing tribute to the great jazz arranger Marty Paich, Alto Sax legend Phil Woods is joined by the Los Angeles Jazz Orchestra under the direction of pianist Christian Jacob. Recorded in 2004 this new release captures the very essence of the groundbreaking 1950's Marty Paich charts:"Art Pepper Plus Eleven" is one of the classic recordings of 1950s jazz. The combination of Pepper's alto with the arrangements of Marty Paich on a set of bebop standards in 1959 has delighted listeners for decades. 45 years after that recording Ken Poston, the founder and director of the Los Angeles Jazz Institute, presented a four-day jazz festival titled" Springsville" which was billed as celebrating "The Birth Of The Cool And Beyond." One of the main stars of the festival was Phil Woods who appeared on three concerts including one that featured a dozen Marty Paich arrangements, eight of which were from the "Art Pepper Plus Eleven" album.Since the concert was recorded live and in a one-hour period, all of the music on this release is comprised of first takes yet the musicians sound quite relaxed. Eight of the twelve arrangements were originally on the "Art Pepper Plus Eleven" album while two ("Too Close For Comfort" and "I've Never Been In Love Before") are from "The Broadway Bit" and two others ("Violets For Your Furs" and "Moanin'") are on the album " I Get A Boot Out Of You". All of the charts are from 1959 and originally featured Art Pepper.45 years after they were first recorded, Marty Paich's arrangements have resulted in another classic recording, and a milestone in the career of Phil Woods.Scott Yanow, Author of eight jazz books including Jazz On Film, Trumpet Kings, Jazz On Record 1917-76, Bebop and Swing

Tributee: Marty Paich.
Personnel: Phil Woods (clarinet, alto saxophone); Don Shelton (alto saxophone); Brian Scanlon (tenor saxophone); Bob Carr (baritone saxophone); Steve Huffsteter , Frank Szabo (trumpet); Scott Whitfield (trombone); Richard Bullock (bass trombone); Christian Jacob (piano); Brad Dutz (vibraphone); Paul Kreibich (drums).
Audio Mixer: Rod Nicas.
Liner Note Author: Scott Yanow .
Recording information: LAX Four Points Sheraton Hotel, Los Angeles, CA (05/30/2004).
At a 2004 West Coast jazz festival presented by producer Ken Poston, altoist Phil Woods was featured performing Marty Paich arrangements with the Los Angeles Jazz Orchestra. The re-created charts were originally recorded by Art Pepper in the 1950s, with the majority drawn from the famous Art Pepper + Eleven album. Woods has a different sound and a slightly different style than Pepper, but his playing is certainly complementary and a logical choice for this project. Pianist Christian Jacob directed the 12-piece orchestra and, although his verbal introductions are sometimes a bit awkward, the music works quite well. Woods, who takes a rare clarinet solo on "Anthropology" (which he jokes about), is in top form throughout. Highlights include "Groovin' High," "Walkin' Shoes," "Bernie's Tune," and "Shaw 'Nuff." Fans of West Coast jazz will enjoy this intriguing reinterpretation of Marty Paich's classic charts. ~ Scott Yanow

JazzTimes (p.133) - "[I]t's exhilarating to hear Woods - with only an hour or so of rehearsal - ingeniously bop and quote his way through the original scores."