If there was anyone born to give a tribute to alto sax legend Charlie Parker, it had to have been Phil Woods, who dedicated his career to keeping the bebopping legend’s music alive. For a concert recorded back in 2005 with the Zurich Chamber Orchestra, Woods brings in his own ensemble of Ben Aronov/p, Reggie Johnson/b and Douglas Sides/dr for not a recreation, but evaluation of the groundbreaking “Bird With String Sessions” that were the first attempt to blend modern jazz with modern classical.
This rendition is a bit different, with a full chamber orchestra, which gives a thicker frame for the masterpieces. Also, Parker’s renditions did little more than state the melody, while Woods stretches on on a number of the tunes such as “All The Things You Are” and “You Go TO My Head” while also allowing Aronov some time in the spotlight as on the “The Best Thing For You Is Me/How Deep Is The Ocean” medley. Likewise Sides gets some space on “Repetition” and violinist Jens Lohmann delivers some wonderful moments on “Willow Weep For Me”. Kurt Meier’s oboe sighs on “Temptation”, but make no mistake, this is Woods’ gig, and between chats about his meeting with Charlie Parker, as well as his thoughts on his impact, he mostly speaks through his rich alto, and has a lot to say. The sounds are still fresh, and like all good wines, get better with age.