Woods, Phil - Sonata
A lecturer once told me that saxophonists never decide whether they want to be classical or jazz players. The Phil Woods Sonata epitomises that inner battle in its overtly jazz vocabulary presented in a classical form and setting. The piece is quite popular in the repertoire and has been recorded by a number of performers. Approaches vary from the fully classical to all out jazz odyssey. The opening movement is a long journey covering smooth, colourful arpeggios, assertive grooves and extended improvised sections. A demanding piano part requires a great flexibility and familiarity with jazz idioms to successfully execute. The second movement is gentler with only a moment's disruption for wild Dolphyesque explosions. The third movement features a Paul Desmond style cool jazz melody which segues masterfully into the chaos and madness of the finale. Here we dive into a more modern world, where free jazz has got its teeth firmly into the music. The possibilities here are broad and saxophonic special effects bark, scream and grind their way through the ostinati. The piece is enjoyable to play but actually quite dark, predominantly in minor modes and is quite an accomplishment of composition, particularly when we consider Phil Woods' world being one of improvised, more than notated music. Phil Woods' life was certainly not always easy and although he had a very relaxed attitude to interpretation, there is an inescapable seriousness in the music that needs to be brought forth.