Phil Woods - Bird with Strings...and More!

The recording of Bird with Strings...and More! took place in Tonhalle, Zürich on June 13, 2005 with the help of pianist Ben Aronov, bassist
Reggie Johnson, drummer Douglas Sides and the fantastic Zürich Chamber Orchestra.

The beautiful and characteristic sound of jazz and pop supported by a string orchestra is a very special and rare experience.

Bird with Strings…and More! use the classic album Charlie Parker with Strings as a point of departure. Charlie Parker, also known as Bird, recorded the original Charlie Parker with Strings in 1949 with a rhythm section plus a very small string section.

On this recording, PW has written all new arrangements based on the original scores, and expanded the original arrangements to a much larger string section of 24/30 pieces and added a small woodwind section of oboe, flute and clarinet. PW has also proceeded to write a dozen extra arrangements with the same instrumentation. He pays perfect tribute to Bird and his original project, as he is the continuator of Bird’s music, spirit and life, but has his very own sound signature, sometimes warm and sometimes volcanic.

PW was not only an extraordinary alto saxophonist, but also an incredible composer and arranger. Woods was known for a lyrical and beautiful sound making him one of the most popular musicians in mainstream jazz. Born in 1952, he was influenced by Charlie Parker and Lennie Tristano, but worked in both jazz and pop influencing artists like Kenny G and a whole generation of alto played in jazz. Today he is considered a modern jazz giant and one of the most important alto saxophonists in the history of jazz.

Phil Woods - saxophone
Ben Aronov - piano
Reggie Johnson - bass
Douglas Sides - drums
Zürich Chamber Orchestra