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Phil Woods, one of the finest living alto saxophonists, returned to Venus Records after six years – this time with his star-studded quintet consisting of Brian Lynch (trumpet), Bill Charlap (piano), Steve Gilmore (bass), and Bill Goodwin (drums). Ballads & Blues—recorded at Avatar Studio in New York on June 20 and 21, 2008 – is Woods' first songbook as a composer, dedicated to Billy Strayhorn, the legendary arranger and composer for Duke Ellington's orchestra. Woods predominantly chooses slow and medium tempos and shines with his big, warm, and expressive tone, his soulful blues feeling, and his plaintive melancholy. “Ballads & Blues” is definitely one of the highlights of Woods' discography, as “All About Jazz” aptly describes: "Alto saxophonist Phil Woods is an accomplished musician whose improvisational skills are unsurpassed. He follows in the footsteps of the Holy Trinity of alto saxophone – Benny Carter, Johnny Hodges, Charlie Parker – and has developed an unmistakable, influential style. If Paul Desmond's sound is like a dry martini, then Woods' sound is like a fine cognac, sensual and luxurious, with a masculine spice that warms the body. His apprenticeship with Charlie Barnet, Dizzy Gillespie, Gerry Mulligan, Quincy Jones, Oliver Nelson, Buddy Rich, Thelonious Monk, and Clark Terry prepared him for his leadership role, particularly in his quartets and quintets, which for over 30 years have included bassist Steve Gilmore and drummer Bill Goodwin... “Ballads & Blues” celebrates compositions by Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington, as well as a composition by Hoagy Carmichael.”
LP 1
Side A1. Flower Is A Lovesome Thing2. Ballad For Very Tired And Very Sad Lotus Eaters3. Rain Check
Side B:1. Isfahan2. Jonny Come Lately3. Take The A Train
LP 2
Side C1. Balcony Serenade2. Blood Count3. My Little Brown Book4. Lush Life
Side D1. Ballad Medley: I Didn't Know About You / Lotus Blossom / Don't You Know I Care2. How Little We Know