Phil Woods and His European Rhythm Machine

Personnel: Phil Woods (vocals, recorder, clarinet, alto saxophone, percussion); Henri Texier (vocals, flute, acoustic bass); Gordon Beck (vocals, piano, electric piano, organ, percussion, bells); Daniel Humair (drums, wood block, percussion).Recording information: Europa-Sonor Studio (07/05/1970).In 1970, when Inner City Records was just getting off the ground, Phil Woods was in Europe enjoying himself, and collaborating with musicians who were definitely feeling the spell of the Miles Davis groundbreaking jazz fusion epic Bitches Brew. While always a staunch straight-ahead bebop player, Woods decided to mix it up a bit and incorporate elements of funk, rock, and free improvisation, much to the likely chagrin of his listeners. In fact, a vitriolic letter printed on the back cover from an unidentified fan residing in Chicopee Falls, MA, rips Woods for abandoning melody, criticizes his titles, and actually threatens him with physical violence should he ever show up in his town. Woods giv