The Phil Woods Six - Live from the Showboat

A substantial two-LP live set from alto saxophonist Phil Woods, capturing his celebrated six-piece group at Philadelphia's Showboat in November 1976. Woods was one of the great alto saxophonists to emerge from the post-bop tradition, and this album puts his fiery, expressive playing at the center of a first-rate working band.

The Phil Woods Six features Phil Woods on alto and soprano saxophones, Mike Melillo on piano, Harry Leahey on guitar, Steve Gilmore on bass, Bill Goodwin on drums and Alyrio Lima on percussion. The extended live format gives the musicians plenty of room to stretch out, with performances including “A Sleepin' Bee,” “Rain Dance,” “Bye Bye Baby,” “Django's Castle,” “I'm Late,” “Superwoman (Where Were You When I Needed You),” “High Clouds,” “How's Your Mama,” “Cheek to Cheek,” “Lady J,” “Little Niles” and “A Little Peace.”

A centerpiece of the set is Woods' multi-part “Brazilian Affair (Intriga Amorosa)”, comprising “Prelude (Preludio),” “Love Song (Canção de Amor),” “Wedding Dance (Dance de Bodas)” and “Joy (Alegria).” The combination of hard-driving post-bop, lyrical ballad playing and Brazilian influence makes this an especially rewarding document of Woods' 1970s work.

Presented as a 2-record gatefold set with extensive liner notes and musician profiles, Live from the Showboat is a strong addition to any collection of modern jazz and saxophone recordings.