Search - Phil Woods :: Woodlore

A Perfect Album

Jazzcat | 01/07/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is a texbook-perfect example of 1950's bebop. Phil Woods plays with perfect time and his lines simply sizzle. Track 6 is an especially representative blues, and track 2 is a gorgeous ballad. I have had a great time playing along with this one. This quartet is the definition of tight. Highly recommended."

A good session but does not stand out

Jazzcat | Genoa, Italy Italy | 04/17/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Very good album from Phil. Nevertheless I found it a little bit predictable even if, of course, Phil plays great. Sugan from Phil for example or the album with Jimmy Rainey are much more interesting efforts from Phil. I love more than this one even the tribute concert "Bird's night" on the Savoy label. "Four altos" is another better and more interesting effort than "Woodlore". Or even the albums he recorded with Quill offer more variety and interesting points. This was the first leader session from Phil and he delivered don't get me wrong but this album it's not something you can't stay without especially if you have more albums from Woods. I'd prefer Sugan over this one for sure (by the way Sugan has Red Garland on piano, a big boost!). Not that this album is bad, on the contrary, it is a very good collection of bop lines and ballads. But just one of many great sessions of the period. It does not stand out for me. 4 stars, next session please. ;)))"