Gianni Basso Quartet - Blue Woods (2002)

Italian tenor saxophonist Gianni Basso is well ahead of most jazz fans in the United States in his recognition of Phil Woods as a masterful composer. Most of this studio session is devoted to Woods' compositions, only one of which ("My Man Benny") is likely to be widely known among those fairly familiar with Woods' recordings. Joined by a talented rhythm section, which includes the young pianist Andrea Pozza, bassist Luciano Milanese, and drummer Stefano Bagnoli, Basso caresses the lush ballad "Song for Sass" with the lyricism of the late Ben Webster. The brisk, upbeat swinger "Where Do You Go From Here" (which ought to have lyrics, if it doesn't already) finds Basso soloing in a confident yet understated fashion. The tender "Without You" is cast as a gently swinging bossa nova. "My Man Benny" was written by Woods in honor of his good friend, the delightful alto saxophonist Benny Carter (with whom Woods recorded the piece on at least one occasion). Basso doesn't disappoint the composer, or the latter honoree with a splendid take. The leader's emotional tone in the bittersweet "The Last Page" suggests the influence of the late Stan Getz. "Lady J" is another lovely ballad played as a bossa nova "Blue Woods," composed by Luciano Milanese, is heard in two separate takes; it's a strutting blues that would be a perfect set-closer for any jazz saxophonist, both versions add the outstanding trumpeter Enrico Rava as a special guest. Like all Philology studio sessions, this CD is well recorded. Fans of Phil Woods will definitely enjoy this salute from one veteran musician to another. © Ken Dryden