Phil Woods, Angela DeNiro, & Ron Aprea

Photo taken by Mike Lutley, Yamaha October 17, 2005

     About "For Phil"...The Composer’s Comments             

        _{I’ve been listening to Phil Woods’ solos as far back as I can remember.  It started with Phil & Quill back in the 50's and continued through the millenium, to the present.  I saw him with Hubert Lawes at the 2003 IAJE convention in New York...and he's STILL scary.  I played along with his recorded solo on Quintessence so many times I not only memorized his solo, but wore out my record.  I was mesmerized with Phil's solo on my all-time favorite recorded performance of Images with Michel Legrand.  When Angela and I hosted a weekly radio show on WSHR, we flooded the airways with Phil's recordings.  It didn't matter which period of Phil's career we played, it was all wonderful.  Whether it was Phil and Quill, Phil with Quincy, Phil with Michel, Phil and Tom Harrell, or Phil and Brian Lynch...it was a musical treat, and a music lesson.}

_{I'm priviliged to know the man who has influenced generations of saxophone players.  Back in the 80’s, shortly after his return from Paris, and his hit solo on Billy Joel’s  Just  the  Way You  Are,   I called Phil.  I needed some answers and  guidance at the time.  Just listening to him play, I knew that he had those answers.One question dealt with augmented 11’s.  Phil explained, “You really want to hear the +11 on major 7 chords.  I then asked Phil what I should do if I the piano player didn’t play the augmented 11 on those chords. With a slight grin, Phil replied,   “You cancel the piano player.”  That, my friends, is Phil Woods.}                                 

    _{Anyway, I love Phil Woods.  Always have.  It’s time to pay my respects.  Phil, through my wonderful Angela,this one’s from me to you…from the bottom of my heart.}         

     _{Ron Aprea}                Click headphones to listen to "For Phil"