Record Reviews

PHIL WOODS ~ INTEGRITY: THE NEW PHIL WOODS QUINTET LIVE RED 123177 (Barcode: 027312317725) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1984 Released: 1993 This is a reissue of a live album by American saxophonist / clarinetist / composer Phil WoodsFind albums by this artist, recorded with his quintet, which also included trumpeter Tom HarrellFind albums by this artist, pianist Hal GalperFind albums by this artist, bassist Steve GilmoreFind albums by this artist and drummer Bill GoodwinFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded in Italy and released on the legendary RedFind albums on this label Record label. The 2CD album presents nine tracks, all of which are interesting arrangements of standards, except the short track finishing the album, which was composed by Woods. In the late 1960s and early 1970s Woods resided in Europe, led groups comprising of European musicians and recorded many excellent albums in Europe, and his ties with European musicians and labels continued after his return to the US. Although the music is all within the mainstream Jazz formula, it features some of the best American instrumentalist of the period, and Woods was always one of my favorite alto players, with a unique tone, superb melodic continuity and innovative improvisation approach, influenced by his long European stint. The rest of the quintet members are all first class musicians, and although Harrell was taking his first professional steps in this quintet, he was already a highly notable performer. Overall, this is a wonderful document of the early era of this splendid quintet, which despite its conventional appearance, played a very unique kind of American mainstream, which was full of surprising arrangements and quirky moments, which are truly delightful.

Updated: 21/02/2026Posted: 21/02/2026

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