Phil Woods...

[Hardbopjazz]

If you can get the chance to catch Phil Woods "Now's the Time." He does have emphysema and how much longer can he blow his horn with that disease?

He is at Dizzy's Club Coca Cola in NYC starting Thursday night. I will be there.

[John Tapscott]

Surprisingly, some musicians have played just fine with COPD. Two off the top of my head include trumpeters Ruby Braff and Bobby Shew. I think Phil has had it for some time and still he sounds fine on his most recent recordings. Gigs at high altitudes are tough for musicians with this disease. I could be wrong but I believe Phil had to cancel one a couple of years ago in the Denver area. NYC won't present that problem.

Hardbopjazz, I'd love to read your report/impressions of the gig.

[Justin V]

I saw Phil Woods about 6 years ago and he didn't sound like his health was negatively affecting his playing. I had only been into jazz for a couple of years at that point and didn't fully appreciate how great it was to get a chance to see him (and Bill Charlap). I particularly enjoyed Bill Goodwin and Steve Gilmore.

[fasstrack]

Phil sleeps with oxygen and rents a tank when he travels. He's cool with that. Husbands his energy when playing to use at times most essential. He gets through it like the pro he is.

[BillF]

Surprisingly, some musicians have played just fine with COPD. Two off the top of my head include trumpeters Ruby Braff and Bobby Shew. I think Phil has had it for some time and still he sounds fine on his most recent recordings. Gigs at high altitudes are tough for musicians with this disease. I could be wrong but I believe Phil had to cancel one a couple of years ago in the Denver area. NYC won't present that problem.

Hardbopjazz, I'd love to read your report/impressions of the gig.

Didn't know Bobby Shew had that condition, but it makes sense of his very restrained performance at Wigan last summer. Great music, though!

P.S. No altitude problem at Wigan pier!

Edited April 15, 2011 by BillF

[Hardbopjazz]

Hardbopjazz, I'd love to read your report/impressions of the gig.

The set was wonderful. Phil twice did need to use his albuterol inhaler, but he played just fine. There was no notice of his COPD. For a man pushing 80 he can still play.

[John Tapscott]

Hardbopjazz, I'd love to read your report/impressions of the gig.

The set was wonderful. Phil twice did need to use his albuterol inhaler, but he played just fine. There was no notice of his COPD. For a man pushing 80 he can still play.

Thanks for the report. Was it the current quintet - Lynch/Mays/Gilmore/Goodwin?

[Hardbopjazz]

Hardbopjazz, I'd love to read your report/impressions of the gig.

The set was wonderful. Phil twice did need to use his albuterol inhaler, but he played just fine. There was no notice of his COPD. For a man pushing 80 he can still play.

Thanks for the report. Was it the current quintet - Lynch/Mays/Gilmore/Goodwin?

It was the quintet.

[jlhoots]

I still like Phil Woods.

Bobby Shew is playing well in the high altitude of the Albuquerque / Santa Fe area.