Four Altos cover

Four Altos

Phil Woods

38 min · 6 tracks · jazz

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Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate saxophone harmonies and strong improvisation, establishing Woods' distinct voice in jazz.

What we noticed

  • The album features intricate arrangements for four alto saxophones, creating a rich tapestry of harmonies throughout each track.
  • Improvisation is a key element, with each saxophonist taking turns in extended solos that showcase their individual styles.
  • The tempo varies significantly across the tracks, with some pieces maintaining a brisk pace while others slow down to allow for more expressive playing.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Pedal Eyes 7:34
  • 2 Kokochee 6:25
  • 3 No More Nights 4:58
  • 4 Kinda Kanonic 5:59
  • 5 Don't Blame Me 4:57
  • 6 Staggers 8:23

What to play next

Jim Chapin Ensemble Featuring Phil Woods
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jazz

Reference: MusicBrainz