Phil Woods Alto saxophonist Date of Birth: 02.11.1931 Country: USA

Biography of Phil Woods

Phil Woods, an alto saxophonist, is recognized as one of the top stars in contemporary jazz. He belongs to the leaders of the mainstream and survival movement, which focuses on preserving and developing the classic achievements of swing, bebop, hard bop, and cool jazz. Phil Woods was born on November 2, 1931 in Springfield, Massachusetts. He is an American jazz musician (alto saxophone, clarinet), bandleader, and composer.

He studied in New York under Lennie Tristano starting in 1948. Woods received his formal music education at Juilliard School, including studying the clarinet, as well as at Manhattan School of Music. In the following years, he performed with various orchestras and small ensembles, including Charlie Barnet (1954), Jimmy Rainey (1955), George Wallington, Friedrich Gulda (at Birdland), Dizzy Gillespie (1956), Buddy Rich (1958-59), and Quincy Jones (1959-61, touring Europe).

In 1957, he formed his first combo with Gene Quill (quintet) and went on to create several of his own ensembles, recording albums with them. He also performed in alto saxophone duets with J. Quill. In 1962, Woods visited the USSR with Benny Goodman's big band. He participated in jazz festivals such as Monterey (with Gillespie), Pori (Finland, 1968), Germany, and others.

He is married to Chan Parker, the widow of his idol Charlie Parker, who is the author of several compositions including "Rights Of Swing." According to surveys by Down Beat magazine, Woods has repeatedly ranked among the top alto saxophonists, second only to musicians of the caliber of Cannonball Adderley and Ornette Coleman. The ensemble he founded in Paris, European Rhythm Machine, was considered the best jazz combo in Europe from 1969 to 1972.