Notable sidemen include John Scofield, Wallace Roney, Randy Brecker, Jerry Bergonzi, and Franco Ambrosetti. CD

With Adam Nussbaum on drums. CD

With Adam Nussbaum on drums. CD

George Gruntz on keyboards, Ernst Ludwig Petrowsky, Joe Henderson, Larry Schneider, and Lee Konitz on saxophones and reeds, Howard Johnson on baritone saxophone and reeds, Sharon Freeman and Tom Varner on French Horn, Art Baron, David Taylor, and Ray Anderson on trombone, Enrico Rava, Franco Ambrosetti, Kenny Wheeler, Manfred Schoof, and Marvin Stamm on trumpet and flugelhorn, Mike Richmond on bass, Bob Moses on drums, and Sheila Jordan on vocals. CD

One of the smartest moves Phil Woods ever made was to move to Paris in 1968 and pick up a European rhythm section that featured George Gruntz, Henri Texier, and Daniel Humair. At the time, the idea of a European rhythm section might have been considered suicide by some folks – but for Woods, it was a liberating move that allowed him to expand his sound tremendously. With the help of these three players – all loose modernists who still knew how to swing – Woods was able to craft some incredible tunes, long flowing numbers that featured his amazing tone stretching out in kind of a post-Coltrane sort of mode. This live set is one of the group's best recordings, and features extended versions of tracks that include "Capricci Cavaleschi", "I Remember Bird", "Ad Infinitum", and "Riot". CD

Features the Gil Evans Orchestra and the George Gruntz Concert Jazz Band – in a live performance conducted by Quincy Jones. Features key contributions from Wallace Roney on trumpet and Kenny Garrett on alto sax. CD

A fantastic record – easily one of Phil Woods' greatest! The album was cut during a time when Woods was living and working in France – and it's got a French rhythm section backing him up, one that features George Gruntz on piano, Henri Texier on bass, and Daniel Humair on drums, all grooving in an incredibly soulful way that opens up Woods' solos tremendously, without introducing any of the hoke and squonk that marred them a few years later. This set's got Woods at a perfect point – still with all the sharp-edged tone of earlier days, but exploring just a bit more freedom of expression, opening up on the album's long tracks in an incredibly creative way that really leaves us breathless. A gem – and the kind of record that will make you realize what a genius that Woods can be when he wants! Titles include "And When We Are Young", "Alive & Well", "Stolen Moments", and "Freedom Jazz Dance". CD

With George Gruntz on piano. CD

Overlooked modern jazz genius from the Swiss scene of the 60s – a record that's overflowing with great talent, only a small bit of which ever got larger exposure at the time! The big heavyweight here is pianist George Gruntz – leader of the set, and already a hell of a pianist – not as outside as on later records, but a great force to really give the set some direction! Franco Ambrosetti plays trumpet – and most of the others are great, but artists you might only know if you've got the same penchant for rare European jazz that we do – a lineup that also includes Hans Kellen and Raymond Court on trumpets, Raymond Droz on trombone, Heinz Bigler and Peter Candiotto on alto, Bruno Spoerri on tenor and baritone, and Ueli Staub on some mighty nice vibes! Tracks are often long, and have a Verve Records/JATP sort of approach – which means plenty of room for soloists to shine – on titles that include "Perdido", "Dig The Scene/Sax Battle", "There'll Never Be Another You", "Boy Shooting", "Ballad Medley" and "El Sino/Trumpet Battle". CD