Phil Woods - Astor & Elis (1996) 320 kbps

Tracklist

1. Dois Pra La, Dois Pra Ca
2. Piece for Piazzolla
3. Adios Nonino
4. Oblivion
5. Milonga del Angel
6. Leijia's Game
7. Invierno Porteno
8. Elis (Woods)
9. Introduction to Cais/Astras da Porta
10. Nada Sera Como Antes
11. Con Alma

Phil Woods can usually be counted on to record consistently explosive bop-oriented sets with his regular quintet but Astor & Elis is quite different. The altoist dedicates the performance to the singer Elis Regina, the influential modern tango composer Astor Piazzolla and indirectly to Dizzy Gillespie. Joined by a sextet that includes the talented cellist Eric Friedlander, pianist Bill Charlap and Phil Markowitz on synthesizer, Woods alternates between playing alto on Brazilian-flavored material and utilizing his clarinet for Piazzolla's music. The emphasis is generally on lyrical and heartfelt ballad statements with occasional heated passages; Dizzy's "Con Alma" is the only jazz standard on the set. This attractive music favorably shows off Woods' versatility.~Scott Yanow