Phil Woods with Strings - The Thrill is Gone (2003) [2014 SACD]

"Phil Woods with Strings?" you may ask with a bit of apprehension. An album with strings, which is inevitably heavily arranged, is always a risky proposition for a jazz musician whose art depends above all on spontaneous improvisation. But Phil Woods, arguably the best alto sax player alive today, has done it many times in his 55-year career.
What distinguishes this album is the core group: Wood's regular quartet featuring the young and brilliant pianist Bill Charlap. Also, they decided to go with a string quintet (two violins, two violas and one cello) instead of a larger string section. This probably worked to make the ensemble agile and more spontaneous. The first violinist even takes a few solos!
Seven standard gems are sandwiched by two original compositions by Woods: "And When We're Young" and "Solitude," the latter of which is not to be confused with the more famous Duke Ellington tune. Frequent collaborator Bryin Lynch does not play his horn here but contributed a few arrangements.
All in all, this is a charming album filled with many tender moments and nice sound. Woods' playing is inspired and varied arrangements keep the program interesting. Bill Charlap helps his boss with a few beautiful solos as well.

Tracks:

1. And When We're Young
2. I Get Along Without You Very Well
3. You Go To My Head
4. It Never Entered My Mind
5. The Thrill Is Gone
6. Easy To Love
7. The Nearness Of You
8. If I Should Lose You
9. Solitude

Personnel:

Phil Woods, alto sax
Bill Charlap, piano
Steve Gilmore, bass
Bill Goodwin, drums
Eric Doney, conductor
Andy Stein, violin
Tony Posk, violin
Olivia Koppell, viola
Alfred Brown, viola
Jesse Levy, cello