Kindred Spirits Live (Whaling City Sound)
Greg Abate & Phil Woods
Released January 8, 2016
The Telegraph Best Jazz Albums of 2016
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Kindred Spirits: Live at Chan’s captures the electrifying performance of saxophonists Greg Abate and Phil Woods, accompanied by the Tim Ray Trio. This album, recorded live, stands as a testament to the vibrant interaction between these jazz legends.Abate, known for his virtuosic alto and soprano saxophone work, and Woods, a revered alto saxophonist celebrated for his rich tone and improvisational skills, lead a lineup of jazz greats. The Tim Ray Trio, featuring Tim Ray on piano, John Lockwood on bass, and Mark Walker on drums, provides a solid and inventive rhythmic foundation. The album opens with the high-energy ‘Steeplechase (Thriving On a Riff),’ setting the tone for a session full of jazz standards and original compositions. Highlights include the lush ballad ‘A Sleepin’ Bee’ and the soulful ‘The End of a Love Affair,’ showcasing the depth and emotion of the duo’s improvisation. The performance of ‘Willow Weep For Me,’ with both Abate and Woods on saxophones, is a standout, delivering a rich, layered sound. Interspersed with dynamic music are engaging spoken interludes like ‘Fried Clams With Bellies,’ offering a glimpse into the camaraderie and behind-the-scenes stories of the artists. These personal touches enhance the live recording’s intimacy, making it a memorable experience for listeners.
‘Kindred Spirits: Live at Chan’s’ not only celebrates the synergy between Abate and Woods but also highlights the exceptional talent of the Tim Ray Trio. This album is a must-listen for jazz enthusiasts, capturing a moment of live musical brilliance and the timeless appeal of jazz.
Track Listing:
CD 1
1. Steeplechase (Thriving on a Rif) (Charlie Parker) 11:34
2. A Sleepin’ Bee (Harold Arlen) 11:36
3. The End Of A Love Affair (E. C. Redding) 9:43
4. Angel Eyes (Earl K. Brent / Matt Dennis) 8:28
5. Cedar’s Blues (Cedar Walton) 9:12
6. Willow Weep For Me (Ann Ronell) 11:47
7. Steeplechase (Short Version) (Charlie Parker) 4:39
8. Fried Clams With Bellies (Spoken) 1:34
9. Phil And Sequel (Spoken) 2:09
10. Emotionally Involved (Spoken) 0:57
11. Different Keys (Spoken) 0:14
CD 2
1. I’ll Remember April (Gene DePaul) 9:21
2. Moonlight In Vermont (John Blackburn / Karl Suessdorf) 9:45
3. Speak Low (Kurt Weill) 8:55
4. Strollin’ (Horace Silver) 7:48
5. Yardbird Suite (Charlie Parker) 9:25
6. Moonlight In Vermont (Short Version) (John Blackburn / Karl Suessdorf) 5:09
7. The First One’s Free (Spoken) 1:34
Personnel:
Greg Abate: alto saxophone, soprano saxophone on “Willow”
Phil Woods: alto saxophone. all tracks except “Angel Eyes”
Tim Ray: piano
John Lockwood: bass
Mark Walker: drums
Recorded August 11, 2014, at Chan’s, Woonsocket, RI
Producer: Greg Abate
Recorded, Mastered and Mixed by Antonio Oliart Ros
Design: David Arruda Jr.
Executive Producer: Neal Weiss
Review:
Phil Woods, who died in September 2015 is something of an alto player’s icon. Like his musical hero, Charlie Parker, Woods had fluency, speed and a blues-steeped tone that infuses this live recording with Greg Abate. Saxophonist Abate is a bebopper pure and simple and he brings passion and a lovely melodic tone to the 18 tracks on this double album, which was recorded at the famous Chan’s Restaurant in Rhode Island. Abate and Woods are backed by the Tim Ray Trio – Ray on piano, Mark Walker on drums and John Lockwood on bass – and the crowd show their enthusiastic appreciation for numbers that include Yardbird Suite, Willow Weep for Me and a lovely Moonlight in Vermont. A fitting way to remember Woods.
Martin Chilton (The Telegraph)
