A die-hard bopper, alto saxophonist Phil Woods nonetheless manages to push the boundaries of straight-ahead hard bop on Souvenirs. As far as the '90s go, this is one of Woods' best. This version of Woods' quintet, most notably featuring trumpeter Brian Lynch, is a solid entity with much forward momentum. Lynch, a member of Art Blakey's last Jazz Messengers lineup, is easily one the best trumpeters around, displaying a knack for interesting note choices and lines that border on the progressive. Woods sounds thoroughly engaged throughout, attacking each tune with his characteristic fire.

The Phil Woods Quintet shines on this collection of standards from the movies, but their fresh approach to each of these very familiar songs is what makes this release special.

Mel Lewis first teamed up with renowned trumpeter Thad Jones to form the band that later became the legendary Mel Lewis Orchestra. Brimming with some of the best players in the Big Apple, the band quickly found success. They also became the Monday night band at the world’s most famous jazz club, New York’s The Village Vanguard. With Jones’ departure in ’78, Mel took over as leader, shaping the band into “one of the most exciting and innovative big bands ever to grace the jazz scene”.

This enduring Stan Getz recording beautifully reveals the essence of one of jazz's eternal tenor saxophone masters. His inimitable melodicism, fluid virtuosity, seemingly infinite inventiveness and heartfelt lyricism are pure genius—or, quite simply, Pure Getz. The remarkable clarity and realism of this special SACD release virtually puts the listener right in the recording studio with Getz and his quartet.