Thank you so much being the one to finally upload what has to be one of the greatest compositions and performances on jazz alto of all time. Phil should have received a Grammy for this album as much as for Live at the Showboat, especially considering the number of his own compositions and unique arrangements on this album. I still treasure my vinyl version since 1976 when it was the "NEW" Phil Woods album I think the rights to the CD must have been held in Japan, as I have never seen it here. I defy any jazz fan, hipster or youngster to find a better version of Body and Soul since the day Coleman Hawkins made it a jazz standard, than Phil's performance on this same album. Combine that with this Sun Suite showcase performance that features him soloing over his own composition in 3 parts. If you aren't moved by the sound and fury of what's happening musically at 3:55 forward, in the third movement at 8:07 and the out chorus at 9:51 when he takes off you are not breathing or just don't like jazz alto - It is a breathtaking combination of inspiring sound, technique, and spot on interpretation of changes that only a Juilliard compositiion major who mastered the alto could play. But that's all subconcious and neither licks or technique ever obscure the spirit and essence of the tune, so all that you hear is melody - and genius.
Excellent review, Mr Austin. I have been searching for an up;had of this for years. My father gave me this album when I was 10 years old and I absolutely wore it out. Phil was a always my alto inspiration and I have been playing professionally ever since. Wonderful review of the album, sir. My sentiments exactly. Brian
![Shaman Lounge - Afro Cuban Fuego [Full Album]](/img/n.gif)
Used to listen to this all the time back in the 70s.
Thank you so much being the one to finally upload what has to be one of the greatest compositions and performances on jazz alto of all time. Phil should have received a Grammy for this album as much as for Live at the Showboat, especially considering the number of his own compositions and unique arrangements on this album. I still treasure my vinyl version since 1976 when it was the "NEW" Phil Woods album I think the rights to the CD must have been held in Japan, as I have never seen it here. I defy any jazz fan, hipster or youngster to find a better version of Body and Soul since the day Coleman Hawkins made it a jazz standard, than Phil's performance on this same album. Combine that with this Sun Suite showcase performance that features him soloing over his own composition in 3 parts. If you aren't moved by the sound and fury of what's happening musically at 3:55 forward, in the third movement at 8:07 and the out chorus at 9:51 when he takes off you are not breathing or just don't like jazz alto - It is a breathtaking combination of inspiring sound, technique, and spot on interpretation of changes that only a Juilliard compositiion major who mastered the alto could play. But that's all subconcious and neither licks or technique ever obscure the spirit and essence of the tune, so all that you hear is melody - and genius.
Excellent review, Mr Austin.
I have been searching for an up;had of this for years. My father gave me this album when I was 10 years old and I absolutely wore it out. Phil was a always my alto inspiration and I have been playing professionally ever since.
Wonderful review of the album, sir. My sentiments exactly.
Brian
Woods was unparalled in my opinion. It was tragic that he died in semi-obscurity.
Richard M. (Lost Chords) Sudhalter couldn't have said it any better.
Classy.
Woods burns, as usual.