Country

:

United States of America

Formed

:

November 2, 1931 in Springfield, MA

Disband

:

September 29, 2015 in East Stroudsberg, PA

 

Phil Woods was an American jazz saxophonist, composer, and bandleader who was born on November 2, 1931, in Springfield, Massachusetts. He was raised in a musical family, and his father was a clarinetist and saxophonist who played in local bands. Woods began playing the saxophone at the age of 12 and was soon performing in local clubs and dance halls. Woods attended the Manhattan School of Music in New York City, where he studied classical music and jazz. He began his professional career in the late 1940s, playing with various big bands, including those led by Benny Goodman, Dizzy Gillespie, and Quincy Jones. In the 1950s, he became a member of the Charlie Barnet Orchestra and later played with the likes of Benny Carter, Count Basie, and Thelonious Monk. In the 1960s, Woods formed his own group, the Phil Woods Quintet, which featured his own compositions and arrangements. The group became known for its hard-driving, bebop-influenced sound and was a popular attraction on the jazz club circuit. Woods also worked as a sideman on numerous recordings during this period, including albums by Quincy Jones, Oliver Nelson, and Michel Legrand. One of Woods' most famous compositions is "The Theme," which he wrote in 1959. The tune became a jazz standard and has been recorded by numerous artists, including Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Art Blakey. Another notable composition is "How's Your Mama?" which was written in 1963 and features a catchy, bluesy melody. Woods continued to perform and record throughout the 1970s and 1980s, often collaborating with other jazz musicians such as Clark Terry, Benny Golson, and Bill Charlap. He also worked as a composer and arranger for television and film, including the theme music for the popular TV show "The Bob Newhart Show." In the 1990s, Woods formed a new group, the Phil Woods Quintet with Strings, which featured a string section and showcased his skills as a composer and arranger. The group recorded several albums, including "Celebration!" which won a Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album in 1998. Woods continued to perform and record into the 21st century, despite health issues that forced him to cut back on his touring schedule. He was known for his virtuosic saxophone playing, his inventive compositions, and his dedication to the jazz tradition. He passed away on September 29, 2015, at the age of 83. In addition to his own compositions, Woods was also known for his interpretations of classic jazz standards. He was a master of the bebop style and was admired for his technical proficiency and improvisational skills. His music has influenced generations of jazz musicians and continues to be celebrated by fans of the genre around the world.

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