Phil-Woods-Obituary

Phil Woods

1931 - 2015 (Age 83)

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AGE
83

Obituary

STROUDSBURG, Pa. (AP) - A jazz saxophonist known for touring and recording with Quincy Jones, Billy Joel and others has died. Phil Woods was 83.

Funeral director Philip Bensing says Woods died Tuesday in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, and his family plans to complete arrangements Wednesday for private services. Bensing owns Bensing-Thomas Funeral Home in Stroudsburg.

Woods played his last show Sept. 4 at Pittsburgh's Manchester Craftsman's Guild, using oxygen to complete the performance. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Woods announced he had emphysema and was retiring due to health concerns.

Woods had a solo on Joel's hit, "Just the Way You Are," and Jones says, "There was a very specific reason Phil played on nearly every album I've made since 1956" calling him "the best jazz also sax player there was."


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Greatest alto sax man. Saw him at Storyville in NYC for a week straight. Bought him a few drinks and talked about music and what he thought of being compared to Bird. A great musician and a hell of a nice man to boot.
The licks he played always had me on the edge of my seat. And what a great reader, he said to me it was just a gift he had. Will miss him dearly. Love ya Phil

Enjoyed his many performances in LA during the 1980's. He collaborated with my sax/woodwind teacher, the late Bill Green, in presenting Master Classes when in CA. His artistry will be missed!

George Kosich
Saxophonist and Vocalist

I remember some concerts in Paris with the quintet. It was absolutely incredible music. I saw him a lot of time ans we had just one thing in common. We were born the 2nd of november both. I told him once in Jazz Nice Festival in south of France. He was simple, nice guy. I miss him. RIP my brother YvesJazzlib' from Paris France

Phil Woods has been huge in my life. A towering figure, an absolute icon of the alto sax. Thank you, Phil.

He kept many austounded by his music and his talent, leaving a legacy of good music for many to enjoy. My heart goes to his wife and daughter, family, and close friends; expressing my sincere condolences for their loss. May they all receive the strengthen to endure from our Heavenly Father, for he promises to always become a stronghold to those clinging to Him in times of distress.

What a tremendous loss to the jazz world. Phil was a one-of-a-kind alto man. He truly developed a very recognizable tone, phrasing,and approach to his solos. He has been a favorite since "Warm Woods", his epic ferocity recording with Joe Morello and Gary Burton on "It's About Time", and many others in later years. He will truly be missed. Thankfully, I own a lot of his vinyl and CD recordings that I will always treasure. RIP Mr. Woods! Sincere condolence to the family.

Thoughts and prayers to sweet Jill and family...from TN

Heard " Fill The Woods With Laughter" and I knew this cat was something special. If Quincy Jones and Dizzy Gillespie spoke fondly of you, your all right with me. Peaceful Journey my brother