LIFE IN E FLAT - THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF PHIL WOODS IBD

Sinopse

2021 Book of the Year - Jazz Journalists AssociationPhil Woods was an American original. One of the greatest saxophonists of all time, he was the first call for Quincy Jones, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, and Oliver Nelson. His iconic improvisation on Billy JoelâÇÖs hit song 'Just the Way You Are' is quite likely the most played instrumental solo in the world. His popularity soared while an expat in Europe during the cultural revolution of the late sixties and early seventies. Upon his return to the States, Woods formed a band that would perform together for four decades. Grammy Awards, dozens of DownBeat Readers Poll victories, and designation as a National Endowment of the Arts Jazz Master would follow. Life in E Flat is the unvarnished self-portrait of an artist who loved and lived a life of bebop.'I would have to give Phil WoodsâÇÖ sax solo on 'Just The Way You Are' credit for making that a hit record.' - Billy Joel'Life in E Flatáis a gift, a compelling and entertaining memoir by one of the leading alto saxophonists in jazz for 60 years. Woods is a charismatic storyteller-literate, funny, insightful, self-aware, with a keen eye and ear for details that reveal character and wise observations about the music business and the jazz life laced with sardonic wit.' - Mark Stryker, author ofáJazz From Detroit''Someone spotted me fondling the saxophone and misinterpreted my avaricious intent as musical interest...' So Phil WoodâÇÖs lifelong journey began-a saga he relates with an irreverent, self-deprecating wit, from his earliest days in Western Massachusetts to recording timeless music and traveling the world with jazz legends. Time and again, he sets up a story like a punchlineâÇÖs coming, and often they do. What you always get is history rich in detail and long in feeling and self-honesty - the personal stumbles and the musical triumphs. Phil left us in 2015, this book he left us is a gift that shows how so much of him is still here.' - Ashley Kahn,ámusic historian and author ofáA Love Supreme: The Story of John ColtraneâÇÖs Signature Albumá&áKind of Blue: The Making of the Miles Davis Masterpiece'Growing up a New York jazz fan, Phil Woods was always a favorite. He was straight ahead, personal but in control, brimming with ideas: solid in every way. This account of the late jazz manâÇÖs American journey, assembled with a loving, light touch by the always discerning critic Ted Panken, is like a WoodsâÇÖ gig. Fulláof the right information, things you thought you knew but didnâÇÖt (the stories of often being the only white man in the room especially after marrying Charlie ParkerâÇÖs widow are instructive), heartbreaking and triumphant,áLife in E-Flatáis 100% solid.' - Mark Jacobson,áauthor ofáThe LampshadeáandáPale Horse Rider, former staff writer of the Village Voice and New York Magazine, and contributing editor for Rolling Stone and Esquire