Ten years ago on this date, September 29, 2015, the legendary saxophonist Phil Woods died at the age of 83. He was among the greatest jazz musicians of his time. Popular audiences knew him—without realizing it—as the guy who took that melodic sax solo on Billy Joel’s classic, “Just the Way You Are.” He did it in one take! When we first heard that song on our AM car radio, my sister and I knew immediately who was playing the saxophone; Woods’s characteristic sound was unmistakable. Woods was also the featured alto sax soloist on Steely Dan’s “Doctor Wu” and Paul Simon’s “Have a Good Time”.
Among my favorite Woods recordings are his terrific sessions with the spectacular composer, arranger, and pianist Michel Legrand, especially their album, “Images,” featuring a three-movement orchestral piece—winner of the Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition—which moves from rich lyricism to a blazing finale that blows the roof off. And then there are his incomparable live performances, especially “The Phil Woods Six: Live from the Showboat,” recorded in November 1976 and released on May 17, 1977.
Ten days later, in support of that album, on May 27, 1977, Phil Woods appeared live with that group (minus percussionist Alyrio Lima) at Hopper’s on Sixth Avenue and West 11th Street in Manhattan. Woods played both alto and soprano sax that night. My sister and I were there, part of an ecstatic, cheering audience, enjoying a fabulous show featuring an extraordinary group of musicians. Joining Phil Woods were Harry Leahey on guitar, Mike Melillo on piano, Steve Gilmore on bass, and Bill Goodwin on drums.
Fortunately, management didn’t mind us taping the performance. I recently digitized the audio cassette tape, flaws and all, and uploaded it to YouTube today, in tribute to the great Phil Woods.
The selections include: “Song for Sisyphus” (Phil Woods); “A Little Peace” (Mike Melillo); “I’m Late” (Bob Hilliard / Sammy Fain); and “How’s Your Mama” (Phil’s Theme) (Phil Woods).
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