Warm Woods

For this lyrical LP reissue from 1988, altoist Phil Woods (who is joined by pianist Bob Corwin, bassist Sonny Dallas, and drummer Nick Stabulas) emphasizes ballads. He performs five standards (highlighted by "In Your Own Sweet Way," "I Love You," and "Like Someone in Love"), an obscurity, and two of his originals (including "Waltz for a Lovely Wife"). A tasteful, swinging, and boppish set, mostly played at slower tempos. ~ Scott Yanow