Customer Reviews

Imeges

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one of Phil Woods's best recordings from his illustrious recording career, and documents his complete command and prowess on the alto back in the 1970's. The first half of the recording contains a collection of melodic songs that Phil plays perfectly with lush tone, elegant feeling and great warmth. The second half of the recording features Woods as a soloist in front of a big band, playing a suite composed by Michel Legrand.
This piece will knock your socks off and leave you breathless and astounded, as Woods displays his unbelievable technique and wealth of improvisational abilities. This is a must recording for any alto saxophonists who want to hear one of the true masters of the alto at work during his prime. Dig it and enjoy!

If you only know Michel Legrand for his movie scores, then you've missed the best work of this outstanding jazz pianist, composer, and arranger. Legrand was fond of working in the U.S. jazz scene, and worked with Phil Woods on a number of occasions. When this recording was made in 1975, Woods was beginning the most productive period in his career, putting out one great album after another, including a Grammy Award-winning live album in 1976. "Images" puts these two artists - both of whom seem comfortable in any setting - together with a full orchestra for about 40 minutes of unique and delightful sounds.
Every jazz collection should have some orchestral jazz, and this is one of the must-have albums in that genre. It offers lush renditions of some popular tunes and a nod to the Romantic Era with a version of "Clair de Lune." A couple of my favorites are the very pretty "Nicole" and the sultry "I Was Born In Love With You." But the clincher is the title track "Images." This is a tour de force for both artists. It's worth the price of the CD for this track alone.
For another must-have album in a similar vein, see my review of "Floresta Canto" by Phil Woods.

I agree 100% with the other 5 star reviews of this. I, too, had the
vinyl lp and played it to death, particularly the last 2 gorgeous cuts,
which were side 2 on the RCA album. The title cut "Images" is some of
the best orchestral jazz I have ever heard. Woods is just amazing on
this! Right before the orchestra and Woods kick in on their furious
run towards the middle of the title cut, you can hear Michel screaming
way back in the mix, urging them on. Fantastic stuff. Get this cd.
It's worth every cent.

Phil Woods is amazing and this is one of the best sax albums of all time. Had the vinyl LP from way back and this CD was a must have to get rid of all the snap, crackle and hiss. Buy it before they're all gone!!

A very unusual Phil Woods album. A great be-bop player, here Woods is playing over lush strings some of the most beautiful melodies ever written. Legrand plays some very nice piano in support. This album is for listeners who like to be taken on emotional rides to the heavens.

Images was an attempt to reach for crossover sales for Phil Woods and while it can be argued that even a pop-jazz version of Windmills of Your Mind by Phil Woods is better than most versions by lesser mortals, it still falls short - despite the Grammy notoriety. The strings are are just a little thickly laid on in this recording for most Phil Woods' fans. That said, the title cut Images should be in the dictionary as the example for "Tour De Force"! Not only is the piano playing by LeGrand exemplary, but the ballad section is one of the most beautiful written. And of course, Woods shows on this one cut that all the other pretenders to the Alto Sax God throne are just that, pretenders. The title cut is clearly worth the price of admission.