Phil Woods has recorded frequently for Philology (named in his honor by its owner,
Paolo Piangiarelli) during his many trips to Italy; this two-CD set documents a 1989 concert with the Catania City Brass Orkestra, a group of promising young Italian musicians.
Woods carries the lion's share of the solos, and while the rhythm section is competent, the reeds and brass have problems consistently staying in tune on several of the songs. In addition to the expected
Woods compositions ("Reet's Neet," "Goodbye Mr. Evans," and "How's Your Mama"), the program includes
Neal Hefti's "Repetition,"
Woods' very familiar arrangement of "Willow Weep for Me" (which is built upon a vamp of
Miles Davis' "All Blues"), and two features for singer Antonella Consolo, including "Lover Man" and "Lullaby of Birdland," both of which were arranged by pianist and bandleader Giuseppe Emmanuele, who also contributed two fine originals. While it is unfair to compare the Catania City Brass Orkestra to more established big bands, they make up in energy what they lack occasionally in polish. Fans of
Phil Woods will want to pick up this release, in any case.