Phil Woods has recorded a number of excellent CDs for Philology with pianist
Franco D'Andrea; on this occasion, one of seven sessions by
Woods recorded in just five days during May of 2000, they (along with drummer
Ellade Bandini and bassist
Massimo Moriconi) focus exclusively on works by
D'Andrea. The alto saxophonist is in great form throughout the date, as is the rhythm section. The music proves to be demanding but the musicians are up to its challenges. The opener, "U-Boat," is a hard-driving bop vehicle that seems like a very well-disguised reworking of the chord changes to "What Is This Thing Called Love?" "Blueberries" shows off
Woods' considerable lyricism. The choppy, somewhat dissonant, and very playful "T.M." obviously is named in honor of
Thelonious Monk, and this piece was a lot of fun for the quartet. "Phil Rouge" is a rather intricate blues tune dedicated to
Woods. The soft ballad "Quiet Children" features
Moriconi extensively, while "Looping" gives
Bandini a turn in the spotlight.
D'Andrea's compositions may not become jazz standards, but they stand up very well to repeated listening. As are all of
Phil Woods' Philology CDs,
Woods Plays D'Andrea is warmly recommended.