13 Chris Woods - Cool One - Groove Two

Chris Woods - "Cool One-Groove Two"

United Label, 1953

Alto Saxophone – Chris Woods
Bass – Eugene Thomas
Drums – Nathanial "Pee Wee" Jernigan
Piano – Charles Fox
Trombone – Arthur "Pete" Redford

Somebody Done Stole My Blues Review by Scott Yanow


Altoist Chris Woods only had one session as a leader before 1973. This album has all eight performances from that date for the United label (including two alternate takes), only two of which were originally issued; in addition, Woods is featured on four titles with Tommy Dean's Gloom Chasers. Although geared a bit toward the commercial R&B market, the music on this LP (which features a pair of sextets) is quite worthwhile, displaying Chris Woods' interest in both bop and the blues. Well worth checking out.

Chris Woods (December 25, 1925, Memphis, Tennessee – July 4, 1985, New York City) was an American jazz alto saxophonist.

Woods played locally in Memphis early in his career before moving to St. Louis to play with the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra and trumpeter George Hudson. He then joined Tommy Dean's combo, recording with them for Town and Country, Miracle, and States. Striking out on his own, he first recorded as a leader in 1953 for United Records. In 1962 he moved to New York, where he played with Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Sy Oliver, and Ted Curson. He continued working with Terry into the 1970s, playing flute at times in his Big Bad Band. Jim McNeely played as a sideman on his 1978 release for Delmark Records. In 1983 he began playing in the Count Basie Orchestra, where he worked until his death in 1985.