A die-hard bopper, alto saxophonist
Phil Woods nonetheless manages to push the boundaries of straight-ahead hard bop on
Souvenirs. As far as the '90s go, this is one of
Woods' best. This version of
Woods' quintet, most notably featuring trumpeter
Brian Lynch, is a solid entity with much forward momentum.
Lynch, a member of
Art Blakey's last Jazz Messengers lineup, is easily one the best trumpeters around, displaying a knack for interesting note choices and lines that border on the progressive.
Woods sounds thoroughly engaged throughout, attacking each tune with his characteristic fire.