Ultimate audiophile Prestige reissues from Analogue Productions. Some of the most collectible, rarest and best sounding Rudy Van Gelder recordings ever made. All cut from the Analog Original Master Tapes by Kevin Gray. Pressed on 180 gram vinyl at state-of-the-art plant Quality Record Pressings and plated by Gary Salstrom. Deep groove label pressings, tip-on covers on thick cardboard stock.

• Limited Edition
• Numbered Edition
• Analogue Productions Prestige Mono Series
• 180 Grams Audiophile Vinyl
• Mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio
• Cut from Original Analog Mono Master Tapes
• Plated by Gary Salstrom
• Pressed at Quality Record Pressings (QRP USA)
• Deluxe high-gloss tip-on album cover

Alto saxophonist Phil Woods had recorded with Jimmy Raney and with his own quintet featuring trumpeter Jon Eardley but this was the first date where he was carrying the load as the lone horn, and also his first strictly-for-12-inch LP.

Considering this date was done in November 1955, more than 45 years ago, it holds up exceedingly well. Phil always had all the musical tools. He has continued to develop as an artist but was already very accomplished. The swift, minor-key version of “Get Happy” and the intense blues-saying of “Strollin’ with Pam” are two particularly outstanding examples. Woods also swings hard on three standards, "Slow Boat to China," "Be My Love," and "Woodlore." Pianist Johnny Williams was a Bud Powell disciple who, like a lot of other young pianists, had latched on to Horace Silver. His way of accompanying reflected this in its funky, rolling quality.

Musicians:

Phil Woods, alto sax
John Williams, piano
Teddy Kotick, bass
Nick Stabulast, drums

Track Listing:

1. Slow Boat To China
2. Get Happy
3. Strollin' With Pam
4. Woodlore
5. Falling In Love All Over Again
6. Be My Love

Recorded November 25, 1955

Click here to listen to samples on YouTube.com ♫