Greek Cooking

AMG Review of Greek Cooking

Ken Dryden
All Music Guide

Probably one of the more unusual recordings in Phil Woods' considerable discography, Greek Cooking features the alto saxophonist leading a tentet with a distinctly Greek flavor, including four Greek musicians. None of them have become household names in jazz, though oud player George Mgrdichian later sat in with the Dave Brubeck Quartet during a few concerts. While the addition of instruments like the dumbeg and buzukie add a new twist, the annoying fender bass and the material chosen make the LP sound rather dated. "A Taste of Honey" is given a modal-like arrangement and it's hard not to break into a broad grin when hearing the lively "Zorba the Greek." A musical curiosity that's been out-of-print for a long time, it should appeal to Woods' fans because of his ability to make the best of the material with his powerful, never dull playing.