Japanese audiophile label Venus Records is renowned for their great jazz music, high quality recordings and gorgeous artwork. Founded in 1992 by Tetsuo Hara, who had worked as a producer for RCA Victor, uses a signature mastering process named 'Venus Hyper Magnum Sound', a Direct Mix recording that results in incredible sound quality appreciated by music fans around the world.

• Limited Edition
• LP 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl
• High Quality Japanese Pressing
• Mixed and Mastered by Tetsuo Hara
• Venus Hyper Magnum Sound Direct Mix Stereo
• Venus Masterpiece Collection
• Includes original OBI Strip
• Deluxe Textured Cover
• Made in Japan

"Phil Woods with Strings?" you may ask with a bit of apprehension. An album with strings, which is inevitably heavily arranged, is always a risky proposition for a jazz musician whose art depends above all on spontaneous improvisation. But Phil Woods, arguably the best alto sax player alive today, has done it many times in his 55-year career.

What distinguishes this album is the core group: Wood's regular quartet featuring the young and brilliant pianist Bill Charlap. Also, they decided to go with a string quintet (two violins, two violas and one cello) instead of a larger string section. This probably worked to make the ensemble agile and more spontaneous. The first violinist even takes a few solos!

All in all, this is a charming album filled with many tender moments and nice sound. Woods' playing is inspired and varied arrangements keep the program interesting. Bill Charlap helps his boss with a few beautiful solos as well.

Unlike many jazz recordings with strings, they complement rather than overwhelm the musicians. But it is almost impossible for a Phil Woods-led date to turn out less than excellent. - Ken Dryden, AllMusic

Musicians:

Phil Woods, alto sax
Bill Charlap, piano
Steve Gilmore, bass
Bill Goodwin, drums
Eric Doney, conductor
Andy Stein, violin
Tony Posk, violin
Olivia Koppell, viola
Alfred Brown, viola
Jesse Levy, cello

Track Listing:

Side A

1. The Thrill Is Gone
2. You Go To My Head
3. Easy To Love
4. If I Should Lose You

Side B

5. It Never Entered My Mind
6. I Get Along Without You Very Well
7. The Nearness Of You

Click here to listen to samples on YouTube.com ♫