Phil Woods is almost universally recognized as the cream of the crop of the immediate post-bop generation of saxophonists. With more than a passing aural resemblance to Charlie Parker, and over 40 years of touring and recording with the likes of Zoot Sims, Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, Gerry Mulligan, and Benny Carter, Woods has become an icon on the saxophone scene.
His most recent project, a CD-ROM jazz tutorial program, is a particularly ambitious undertaking. Given that most jazz training books and videos can briefly be summed up as: 1) practice your scales; 2) develop your tone and speed; 3) Listen as often as possible; 4) play as often as possible; it would be forgivable to ask what this CD-ROM offers that thousands of method books and tutorial videos don't already offer. With an asking price of around $100 (computer not included, some assembly required), Jazz Tutor Vol.1 Featuring Phil Woods sets very high standards for itself.
Fortunately, it succeeds completely. While it predictably includes scales (over 2000) and warm-up exercises (yawn), this is a case where the medium offers such substantial advantages over other approaches as to set a new standard.
First and foremost, the tutorial's use of midi play-along tracks on everything from scales to simple duets to full compositions written for this project is a tremendous tool. You have the option to pick any of several parts in the scored compositions and scales, have it transposed for your instrument (C, Eb, or Bb), and select a tempo. Then, as you play the music scrolling down your screen (a la Mitch), the computer plays the midi tracks.
While Jazz Tutor includes an on-line lesson plan (with narration) that runs through scales and arpeggios before moving into tunes and duets, the programs interface makes it easy to jump around between lessons and tunes. The CD also includes a complete Phil Woods discography, slide show biography (a bit home movie-ish: wedding pictures and report cards make it into the show), a chord browser, and an excellent multi-media textbook on jazz music theory. As an added touch, the CD is formatted to allow non-computer CD players to play 11 of the original tunes written and performed by Phil Woods.
Jazz Tutor's steep price tag and obvious requirement of a multimedia-capable computer limit its appeal somewhat. However, CD-ROM-equipped jazz players will find the price of the Jazz Tutor Vol.1 Featuring Phil Woods well spent.
Wilson plays in several settings on this CD. In addition to his 1948 sides recorded as a harmonica quartet with his sons, Arhoolie recorded him last fall with his wife as a second voice, and two cuts were recorded during a church service, with the amen corner in full attendance. But he is most impressive playing solo, his unaccompanied voice, harmonica, and foot pounding a wildly dynamic rhythm and melody lines that have more to do with emotion than chord progression. Although many of his harp riffs are fairly primitive by modern standards, he leaves no doubt that what is being played and what is being felt are one and the same. Add Elder Roma Wilson - This Train to your required listening list.
Memphians who have been awake at some point in the past 30 years need no introduction to Mississippi Fred McDowell. Suffice it to say that Mississippi Fred McDowell - This Ain't No Rock N' Roll lives up to the predictably high standards of both McDowell and Arhoolie Records. A+.