Phil Woods and
Lee Konitz had a great time sharing the stage with a number of Italian musicians over a several-day stretch at the 2003 Umbria Jazz Festival. With the Philology label on-hand to tape the concerts, four volumes were put together, with this edition concentrating on
Woods' considerable skill as a composer. The contrast between the two alto saxophonists makes for interesting interplay, meshing
Woods' robust melodic approach with
Konitz's dryer, more dissonant style, while consistently producing great music. The snappy "Squire's Parlor" is a terrific opener to introduce the band, which includes pianist
Andrea Pozza,
Massimo Moriconi, and drummer
Massimo Manzi. The lush waltz "Petite Chanson" has a bittersweet air, followed by
Woods' memorable tribute to the late
Benny Carter (another master of great melodies and the alto sax), "My Man Benny." It was only natural to follow it with one of
Carter's greatest works, the lush ballad "Summer Serenade," which is beautifully interpreted. This may very well mark the first occasion that
Woods has recorded "Johnny Hodges" (another tribute to a legendary alto saxophonist) without also singing the lyrics. "Body and Soul" has been recorded so often, one would think it was in danger of becoming hackneyed, but that is impossible with two masters as experienced as
Konitz (who kicks it off into fresh territory with his challenging reworking of the melody) and
Woods.
Barbara Casini joins them on the final track, in a lovely rendition of
Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Fotografia." Like all
Phil Woods or
Lee Konitz CDs released by the small but prolific Philology label, this one is a very worthwhile investment. ~ Ken Dryden