Evolution

AMG Review of Evolution

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

This release is somewhat special for the Phil Woods Quintet (consisting of the altoist/leader, trumpeter Tom Harrell, pianist Hal Galper, bassist Steve Gilmore and drummer Bill Goodwin) is joined by trombonist Hal Crook (who would take Harrell's place in the near future), baritonist Nick Brignola and tenor saxophonist Nelson Hill to form the "Phil Woods Little Big Band." Woods contributed five of the eight songs (which are played along with selections from Crook, Jerry Dodgion and Miles Davis) and, since the chatty liner notes make no mention of it, chances are that he also wrote the colorful arrangements. The consistently inventive horn solos (which are often concise) and the telepathic communication by the rhythm section (which had been together for years) makes this a particularly notable release even among the dozens of excellent Phil Woods recordings.