Live At The Jazz Showcase

Albumbeschreibung

Flügelhornist Bob Lark is a veteran jazz educator who excels when he takes time out to record. He has previously worked with Phil Woods on two earlier recordings, but this time out, it is a live date, with pianist Jim McNeely (who worked with the alto saxophonist in the early '90s) plus Woods' longtime rhythm section of bassist Steve Gilmore and drummer Bill Goodwin. The quintet begins with several originals by the leader, kicking off with the hip, breezy "Ravenswood," in which Woods audibly cheers Lark on early in his solo. Woods' emotional solo opens the bittersweet ballad "Cathy's Song," followed by delicious solos from Lark and McNeely. Woods' rousing arrangement of Miles Davis' "All Blues" will be familiar to his longtime fans, interpolating bits of "I Feel Pretty" and other familiar songs, though bypassing "Willow Weep for Me" (which has been a staple of this chart). Lark is showcased with the rhythm section in the moving setting of "Everytime We Say Goodbye." Wrapping up this rewarding CD is an invigorating, extended workout of "What Is Thing Called Love." Highly recommended!

© Ken Dryden /TiVo