Mr. Phil Woods on playing with Charlie Parker.

This short selection is taken from extensive interviews that are being produced and archived for the Artists of Jazz project.
Artists of Jazz, directed by Robert Wagner and produced by Joan Babchak, was undertaken to preserve the reminiscences of those whose careers played an integral part in the greatest era in jazz history.
For more selections and information please visit artistsofjazz.com

[@justified_parker]

As a 16 year-old sax player, this is some ridiculously motivating stuff. It's so awesome to see legends like Phil Woods talking about their heroes. It brings them down to earth with the rest of us.

[@baileyayyy5085]

I hope you're still playing. Keep jazz alive.

[@Anonymous-u8r8j]

14 and thinking the same thing

[@stephaniebarron52]

Just a little blessing from the right person at the right time can make those petals open. Say what you want about Bird, he was a light bringer.

[@kennyr1161]

Most would say that

[@tonywolton]

Phil Woods giving praise to Charlie Parker. At 1.54, Woods says that Parker "even made the strap sound good". Classic stuff, great interview.

[@patg3424]

I met Phil Woods at a master class at college in 1987. I sat right in front of him and was in awe the whole time. Pete Minger was also supposed to come and we went ahead and started playing and improvising to some classic, maybe it was Watermelon man by Hancock or something. After I bombed my solo , Phil Woods winked at me and put down some master improv with ease. Slap tonguing , ripping 16th note licks and bending notes to oblivion. I thought to myself, how can this be so easy for him with no music or chords in front of him. Then out in the hallway I heard a trumpet warm up playing. It was Pete Minger from the Basie orchestra. He walked in and blew everyone away too. I still remember that like it was yesterday.

[@almichael74]

I think about Charlie Parker almost every day of my life. I feel like he saved me from going down a wrong road in life. I came from a pretty harsh family situation, but I discovered him at about age 13 and stayed with learning music and not screwing around on the streets. Thank you Bird. 🙏

[@artistsofjazz9321]

He made music and the music is magic.

[@garynash7594]

I'm 68, back when I was about 3 or 4 my Dad would be playing his Jazz records on the " HiFi" and all of us kids would be mesmerized by these sounds...... Sitting on the floor thinking what is that? No singing coming out just whole sides of records that seemed to have some outer space language being transmitted..... Loved it. Love ❤️ my Dad for giving us the experience.... We all turned into BIG music 🎶 fanatics later I've got about 20 of those old records that still play good... Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, Ahmad Jamal, T. Monk, Stan Getz, Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, anyway Wow, you get it.💓🌊👋

[@SemajWorld]

❤❤❤ thanks for sharing this

[@domininic]

so often u hear about the moment it 'clicks' or as though a switch has been flicked, and it all comes clear. to have it recounted like this has me tearing up. that moment is something every musician has either had or is waiting for

[@rolandmartel2496]

The way he said,”the path was clear,” hit me like a ton of bricks! His conviction. Outstanding!

[@Patrick-ryan-collins]

Even the strap sounded good😂🎉🎉🎉. Once you get past a certain point in your practice.... the path is truly clear. Thank you for the inspiration

[@PabloVestory]

"...Even the strap sounded good..." pure poetry

[@BrianKlobyGuitar]

If only I had the magic strings... the magic guitar... the magic amp... the magic this... the magic that... yep... just DO IT... knuckle down and practice... THAT's where the real "MAGIC" lives... Mr. Woods speaks volumes here and I couldn't agree more! Thanks for posting this snippet of wholesome goodness :)

[@rubengreenberg2253]

Phil Woods: a great musician, a very wise and funny man. a wonderful conteur. A tribute from one great musician, Phil, to another great one: Bird. You are missed, Phil.

[@DevilslettuceNY]

I was very lucky to going to juilliard for percussion ( drums) acually I was fornuatw to live next to Phil woods in Delaware water gap PA and go to play with him at the jazz festival and my father was a music teacher in the area and studies with Joe Alard seome who Phil studies sax with in NYC when Phil.was a clarinet major at juilliard!

[@rloomis3]

He tells the same story, in much the same way, in an interview with Gary Smulyan that also includes Jimmy Heath; it can be found here on KZbin. Even though I'd heard it before, it's such a great story, and I loved finding it here.

[@yagamei]

This video is a treasure for any musician trying to find their way out there. Thanks so much for sharing this.

[@hankhirsh]

Even the strap sounded good. Haha, Phil! This is beautiful.

[@JonnyCooper]

I could listen to Phil all day. What an amazing story, and what a fabulous time to be alive, while Bird was around.

[@edwardsah3]

How serendipitous. I had that kind of epiphany in Atlantic City. I saw Steve Gilmore, Phil's bass player, playing with Keely Smith. Steve has a beautiful big instrument, with a beautiful big, warm sound. We left and went to a small club where a bass player was struggling with an instrument that wasn't the same quality. It sounded like he was playing it with a chain saw. Well, I swear that just a little later, Steve sat in and got his big, warm, beautiful sound from the apparent crap instrument. It turns out that musicianship matters.

[@nc4494]

this is one of my favorite videos on youtube

[@ClaudioQuartarone]

What a great story. You've got to love his playing, absolutely fantastic.

[@deanhallett6815]

Oh man - this says it all. I need to start practising hard and forget about constantly piddling about with new gear. That is not the answer.

[@1masterfader]

Huge Compliment. I got a similar compliment from Sly stone & George Clinton. A word from a master will change your life.

[@MrT9822]

Wow his work with Steely Dan is amazing!

[@frankdambra]

“I am a walking real book” lol

[@anneonym7346]

Thanks for putting this online.

[@clydebermingham121]

One great ,,, speaking of a Great 🤗🙏🏽💥

[@timchapman5567]

Hard work required for high achievement, even if you are supremely talented. Good lesson.

[@veli-pekkahaanmaki1351]

Thanks for this, Phil ( and poster)

[@m.g.kroger]

This is an amazingly beautiful excerpt! What he says here is pure gold. Thanks for sharing this!

[@garrettsmth]

this made me cry this is amazing

[@garysmith3173]

Great interview.

[@alanwitton5039]

Great piece of history

[@gapted]

Amazing, thanks so much for sharing this.

[@leelybuckwheatjr]

Wonderful, inspirational story

[@RM-gm7lu]

Beautiful story!!

[@paulgerards6494]

... the path IS clear !! Thanx Phil !!

[@tuxguys]

The MOMENT. Every young musician, if he or she is very lucky, and sticks with it, recognizes it when they experience it.

[@TonyAguirreJazz]

Wow, that was freaking cool.

[@CWBella]

Very inspiring!

[@leanmchungry4735]

I love this story, it sounds like Phil's rite of passage to being an artist. Phil graduated with his B.Mus. from Julliard in 1952, so this story must have taken place in 1952 or early 53 at the latest. As a foot note, Phil did find the 'magic saxophone' and the 'magic mouthpiece'-- I don't know about the strap--a few years later. Marcel Mule helped him choose his 82,000K Selmer mkvi alto from 30 others during 1959 or 60 when he was touring with Quincy , and he scored his magic NYUSA 5 mouthpiece which measured .073, as a gift form Oliver Nelson. Nelson bought it but didn't like it so gave it to Phil during a session Phil was doing for him in the 60s. This very alto setup became the pro set up for most pro session players and jazz alto players around the world for the next 50 years. Phil didn't care much about equipment, but his intelligence and ear were tunned to such a high level that he not only found the equipment that played and sounded the best, but after hearing him, every other alto player on the planet agreed and followed suit.

[@vladimirlopez7840]

And then he found Yamaha and the rest is history.

[@jfmax2000]

Wow !!! Man What a Great Story/Memory... God Bless You Both ☺☺😎

[@SidLaw500]

Love this!

[@williamwingert2340]

Love it!

[@nemo227]

Practice? What an innovative idea!!! The more you play (practice) the more the instrument becomes a part of you and then you can begin to express your ideas. We can all tie our shoes with our eyes closed because we've been doing it most of our lives. It's the same with a musical instrument.

[@jakemf1]

nemo227 greatness is far beyond something so similar

[@nemo227]

Yes, indeed; greatness is beyond being a virtuoso. A few decades ago I took my son to see Phil Woods and his group. The piano, bass, drums, trumpet each had a solo spot where they were the only ones on the stage and it was a demonstration of virtuosity and a contradiction to the term sideman. Each man could have been the headliner.

[@mattmichael6792]

Thrilling story. Priceless

[@ButteryAftertaste]

1:53 onward is the best advice anyone could ever give to a young person.

[@SeanRosati]

Powerful

[@deacondavis5098]

Phenomenal saxophonist

[@olivierherment1188]

Wise words thank you

[@mortenfriis4688]

So sweet.. love the guy

[@theImprovoice]

Shy doesn't cut it......great story

[@davidbaise5137]

Such a great story - thanks Phil Woods, thanks Artist of Jazz.

[@rickcharmingtv]

beautiful

[@harveymushman2219]

Awesome !

[@StephaneFernandez]

magnifique ! quelle humanité, quelle humilité ! vive la musique

[@baileyayyy5085]

If Charlie Parker told me I was doing a good job I think I would unironically pass out

[@mongoharry7765]

One kind word can mean a lot to someone , even from us mortals.

[@DwightMS1]

Great story.

[@MrJazzohjazz]

Great story but the tune Phil was humming was not Harlem Nocturne but Night Train I believe. Phil was s genius.

[@johnmiller1620]

He meant "Night Train" in addition to "Harlem Nocturne"

[@paulcombs-bomuse6172]

Wow!

[@albertbrown359]

It's all about the voice of the soul.The young cats need to get hip.

[@monktrane325]

Artist big time

[@pibedelsaxo]

Piel de gallina

[@iwansoman2112]

jazz music on the way bird scales by charlie parker love jazz power by Artists of jazz

[@DihelsonMendonca]

And I still prefer listening to Phil Woods over Charlie Parker. Go figure...🎉❤❤❤

[@tab89]

Don’t forget Bird and Phil are Eskimo brothers too

[@GusMalle]

Correction Sunday May 15 2022 3:33pm EST USA Still The Creator Has A Master Plan

[@lennypopkin4728]

"Even the strap sounded good..."

[@rogercawkwell5413]

My sometime sax teacher, the late John Dankworth, sat in with Parker in a jam session in Paris. Similarly, Bird didn't have a horn with him so John had to lend him his and they palyed solos alternately, passing the instrument across the stage. He swore the alto played better after Bird blew a few solos on it.

[@artherladett442]

"Bird Lives! No Question about it! I think of him everyday..." - Jackie McLean

[@mroboe1032]

Phil Woods and Charlie Parker both understood and loved the music that came before them; both passionately added to it; and both passed it on to others. Simply the best!

[@tab89]

And they were Eskimo brothers

[@obergssin]

Great little interview .. Thanks .. Phil's warmth shines thru ....

[@williamjackson6705]

This brings tears to My eyes. to know one genius was so generous and inspired another.

[@MrBbaker57]

This is why it’s sinful to discourage anyone!

[@robbynealzucker3408]

Wonderful story by Phil ..he is missed a lovely guy who I had the chance to meet a few x the last Phil was not well but got on stage and still played a great show....we miss the man in the hat much love to his son Garth and wife Jill...

[@frick_dude5017]

My saxophone teacher told me a story about when Phil Woods came to Fargo ND in the 2000s. He was giving him a ride to the airport in the middle of winter (probably a few degrees above or below zero), and to be nice he turned on the seat heater in his car before he got in. He had a car where there was only one heat setting, and as they were driving, Woods eventually turns to him and says, "Holy shit, can you turn the damn heat off!" My professor apologized and said he was only trying to be nice because it was cold out. They eventually make it to the airport, and as he leaves, Woods turns to him and says, "Now you can tell everybody you burned a hole in Phil Woods' ass!" That story always makes me laugh.

[@mikegraziano1562]

Funny! Thanks for sharing!

[@robertcronin6603]

Amazing story - how one comment of encouragement was able to set the path for success 🔥

[@stephaniebarron52]

What a wonderful story. "The path was clear" Beautiful.

[@TonyHislop]

That’s a beautiful story.

[@oza8578]

Phil's a hoot! Love the guy and his music!

[@justDave3453]

What a beautiful, funny memoir. Hats off to you Mr Woods!

[@kmvenezia4337]

Listening to Phil is like listening to perfection.

[@martyg374]

It's not the horn unless it is in disrepair. I have a Mark VI and can tell you it comes with NO magic pre-installed. None of the great players ever "got there" without very serious time in the woodshed. RIP Phil!

[@TaiChiBeMe]

An affirmation from Bird. Something to keep in your heart.

[@reinekefuchs267]

What a great man and musician!

[@jeromedanielson4422]

Words are a powerful instrument, they can be used to tear someone down or build them up, choose wisely.

[@pelonete5000]

hahahaha, and nowadays, tons on videos on the "new" Selmer "Supreme". The same shit as any other saxophone. The secret is not in the equipment. Period!

[@PepperWilliams_songcovers]

Phil Woods is among my top 5 alto players of all time! 1. Charlie Parker, 2. Cannonball Adderley, 3. Sonny Stitt, 4. Phil Woods and 5. Art Pepper

[@bconroy2]

God, I love that story! I've watched this video repeatedly, but it always hits.

[@jgfunk]

What an amazing story.

[@settinger14]

Wow - such a wonderful story!

[@AbqRealDeals]

When J. S. Bach leans over and says "Sounds pretty good kid", you know there's hope for you.

[@stickpictures]

Charlie was right. LOVE Phil's playing.

[@ziruini5071]

this is so amazing. glad I came across it. god bless phil woods 🙏🙏

[@straycat7247]

Part and parcel of the greats, at any level, is the way they recognize and treat young talent when they see it. It has always happened in every genre.

[@jamescarter4175]

Great story from a great musician!

[@bandicoot5412]

Thats it, play that thing forget about the non's.

[@Patrick-ryan-collins]

Even the strap sounded good. ❤😂🎉

[@danielsich4397]

:-)

[@farshimelt]

Around 1980 my band opened for Phil in San Francisco. We played a burning set and got a lot applause. Then Phil's band came on and he was so exciting that within five minutes, people were standing up and screaming.

[@Capajazz]

Amazing story!

[@harrypalmer3481]

I've stolen a few beautiful licks/lines from Phil Woods, obviously very directly influenced by Charlie Parker. From his music I imagined what his personality was & liked it very much. I've never heard or read an interview or even seen a photo of Phil Woods, just have a couple of his fab recordings. I'm so glad to have seen this, he is so much like I imagined him to be, a lovely bloke. Great anecdote he tells here. The man is a Cat!