Astor & Elis (1996)

About this title: Phil Woods can usually be counted on to record consistently explosive bop-oriented sets with his regular quintet but Astor & Elis is quite different. The altoist dedicates the performance to the singer Elis Regina, the influential modern tango composer Astor Piazzolla and indirectly to Dizzy Gillespie. Joined by a sextet that includes the talented cellist Eric Friedlander, pianist Bill Charlap and Phil Markowitz on synthesizer, Woods alternates between playing alto on Brazilian-flavored material and utilizing his clarinet for Piazzolla's music. The emphasis is generally on lyrical and ... read more

Tracks:

1. Dois Pra Lá, Dois Pra Cá [Bosco/Blanc]
2. Piece for Piazzolla [Woods]
3. Adios Nonino [Piazzolla]
4. Oblivión [Piazzolla]
5. Milonga del Angel [Piazzolla]
6. Leijia's Game [Piazzolla]
7. Invierno Porteño [Piazzolla]
8. Elis [Woods]
9. Introduction to Cais/Astrás da Porta [Bastos/Bastos]
10. Nada Será Como Antes [Nascimento]
11. Con Alma [Gillespie]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.