Phil Woods - Directly from the Half Note

Although Phil Woods gets top billing on this Philology CD compilation of two mid-'60s broadcasts by DJ Alan Grant from the Half Note in New York City, he is only present on one of the two airchecks, with both groups led by tenor saxophonist Al Cohn. The first five tracks feature the two musicians with a rhythm section consisting of pianist Dave Frishberg, bassist Major Holley, and drummer Mousie Alexander. Both men shine in "Yardbird Suite," though there seems to be a bit of stumbling in the introduction to "It's a Wonderful World." Singer Jimmy Rushing is added for a rousing "Deed I Do," though the vocalist's microphone doesn't seem to be working too well, and the sound does improve a good bit in "I Want a Little Girl" and for a brisk, swinging "All of Me."< Read More