egroj world: Phil Woods • Groovin' To Marty Paich

Monday, September 22, 2025

Phil Woods • Groovin' To Marty Paich

Review by Scott Yanow
At a 2004 West Coast jazz festival presented by producer Ken Poston, altoist Phil Woods was featured performing Marty Paich arrangements with the Los Angeles Jazz Orchestra. The re-created charts were originally recorded by Art Pepper in the 1950s, with the majority drawn from the famous Art Pepper + Eleven album. Woods has a different sound and a slightly different style than Pepper, but his playing is certainly complementary and a logical choice for this project. Pianist Christian Jacob directed the 12-piece orchestra and, although his verbal introductions are sometimes a bit awkward, the music works quite well. Woods, who takes a rare clarinet solo on "Anthropology" (which he jokes about), is in top form throughout. Highlights include "Groovin' High," "Walkin' Shoes," "Bernie's Tune," and "Shaw 'Nuff." Fans of West Coast jazz will enjoy this intriguing reinterpretation of Marty Paich's classic charts.
https://www.allmusic.com/album/groovin-to-marty-paich-mw0000253029

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Reseña de Scott Yanow
En un festival de jazz de la costa oeste celebrado en 2004 y presentado por el productor Ken Poston, el saxofonista alto Phil Woods interpretó arreglos de Marty Paich con la Los Angeles Jazz Orchestra. Las partituras recreadas fueron grabadas originalmente por Art Pepper en la década de 1950, y la mayoría proceden del famoso álbum Art Pepper + Eleven. Woods tiene un sonido y un estilo ligeramente diferentes a los de Pepper, pero su forma de tocar es sin duda complementaria y una elección lógica para este proyecto. El pianista Christian Jacob dirigió la orquesta de 12 músicos y, aunque sus introducciones verbales son a veces un poco torpes, la música funciona bastante bien. Woods, que interpreta un raro solo de clarinete en «Anthropology» (sobre el que bromea), está en plena forma durante todo el álbum. Destacan «Groovin' High», «Walkin' Shoes», «Bernie's Tune» y «Shaw 'Nuff». Los aficionados al jazz de la costa oeste disfrutarán de esta intrigante reinterpretación de los clásicos temas de Marty Paich.
https://www.allmusic.com/album/groovin-to-marty-paich-mw0000253029

Tracks:
1 - Groovin' High
Written-By – Dizzy Gillespie 4:16
2 - Walkin' Shoes
Written-By – Gerry Mulligan 4:06
3 - I've Never Been In Love Before
Written-By – Frank Loesser 5:58
4 - Round Midnight
Written-By – Bernie Hanighen, Cootie Williams, Thelonious Monk 3:35
5 - Donna Lee
Written-By – Charlie Parker 4:19
6 - Moanin'
Written-By – Bobby Timmons 5:49
7 - Anthropology
Written-By – Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie 4:12
8 - Violets For Your Furs
Written-By – Matt Dennis, Thomas Montgomery (3), Adair 4:06
9 - Bernie's Tune
Written-By – Bernie Miller, Jerry Lieber*, Mike Stoller 4:05
10 - Airegin
Written-By – Sonny Rollins 3:14
11 - Too Close For Comfort
Written-By – George Weiss*, Jerry Bock, Larry Holofcener 4:03
12 - Shaw' Nuff
Written-By – Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie 4:21

Credits:
Phil Woods (clarinet, alto saxophone); Don Shelton (alto saxophone); Brian Scanlon (tenor saxophone); Bob Carr (baritone saxophone); Steve Huffsteter , Frank Szabo (trumpet); Scott Whitfield (trombone); Richard Bullock (bass trombone); Christian Jacob (piano); Brad Dutz (vibraphone); Paul Kreibich (drums).

Recorded live May 30, 2004 LAX Four Points Sheraton Hotel, Los Angeles, CA

Label: Jazzed Media – JM1005
Country: US
Released: 2005
Genre: Jazz
Style: Big Band, Bop