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“If there was anyone born to give a tribute to alto sax legend Charlie Parker, it had to have been Phil Woods, who dedicated his career to keeping the bebopping legend’s music alive. For a concert recorded back in 2005 with the Zurich Chamber Orchestra, Woods brings in his own ensemble of Ben Aronov/p, Reggie Johnson/b and Douglas Sides/dr for not a re-creation, but an evaluation of the groundbreaking “Bird With String Sessions” that were the first attempt to blend modern jazz with modern classical.
This rendition is a bit different, with a full chamber orchestra, which gives a thicker frame for the masterpieces. Also, Parker’s renditions did little more than state the melody, while Woods stretches on on a number of the tunes such as “All The Things You Are” and “You Go TO My Head” while also allowing Aronov some time in the spotlight as on the “The Best Thing For You Is Me/How Deep Is The Ocean” medley. Likewise Sides gets some space on “Repetition” and violinist Jens Lohmann delivers some wonderful moments on “Willow Weep For Me”. Kurt Meier’s oboe sighs on “Temptation”, but make no mistake, this is Woods’ gig, and between chats about his meeting with Charlie Parker, as well as his thoughts on his impact, he mostly speaks through his rich alto, and has a lot to say. The sounds are still fresh, and like all good wines, get better with age.”
The recording of Bird with Strings...and More! took place in Tonhalle, Zurich on June 13, 2005 with the help of pianist Ben Aronov, bassist Reggie Johnson, drummer Douglas Sides and the fantastic Zurich Chamber Orchestra.
The beautiful and characteristic sound of jazz and pop supported by a string orchestra is a very special and rare experience.
Bird with Strings...and More! uses the classic album Charlie Parker with Strings as a point of departure. Charlie Parker, also known as Bird, recorded the original Charlie Parker with Strings in 1949 with a rhythm section plus a very small string section.
On this recording, Phil has written all new arrangements based on the original scores, and expanded the original arrangements to a much larger string section of 24/30 pieces and added a small woodwind section of oboe, flute and clarinet. Phil has also proceeded to write a dozen extra arrangements with the same instrumentation. He pays perfect tribute to Bird and his original project, as he is the continuator of Bird's music, spirit and life, but has his very own sound signature, sometimes warm and sometimes volcanic.
Phil was not only an extraordinary alto saxophonist, but also an incredible composer and arranger. Woods was known for a lyrical and beautiful sound making him one of the most popular musicians in mainstream jazz. Born in 1952, he was influenced by Charlie Parker and Lennie Tristano, but worked in both jazz and pop influencing artists like Kenny G and a whole generation of alto played in jazz. Today he is considered a modern jazz giant and one of the most important alto saxophonists in the history of jazz
This is emotional music for lovers, so savor the moment and relax in the company of one of the true masters!
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