Phil Woods Quintet - Ballads & Blues (2009) [2014 SACD]

One of the best living alto saxophone players, Phil Woods returned to Venus Records for the first time in six years with his star-studded quintet which includes Brian Lynch and Bill Charlap.
Recorded in 2008, Ballds & Blues also represents Woods' first composer's songbook dedicated to Billy Strayhorn. Choosing predominantly slow and medium tempos, Woods shines with his big, warm and expressive tone, soulful blues feel and wailing melancholy. The supporting cast is also superb. This album will be remembered as one of Woods' best.

Tracks:

1. Blood Count
2. Flower Is A Lovesome Thing
3. Balcony Serenade
4. Isfahan
5. Ballad Medley: I Didn't Know About You / Lotus Blossom / Don't You Know I Care
6. How Little We Know
7. Ballad For Very Tired And Very Sad Lotus Eaters
8. Lush Life
9. My Little Brown Book
10. Rain Check
11. Jonny Come Lately
12. Take The A Train

Personnel:

Phil Woods, alto sax
Brian Lynch, trumpet
Bill Charlap, piano
Steve Gilmore, bass
Bill Goodwin, drums