by Scott YanowFor this 1990 set by Phil Woods' Quintet, the altoist welcomed trombonist Hal Crook to his group, joining several longtime members: pianist Hal Galper, bassist Steve Gilmore and drummer Bill Goodwin. Galper's melancholy ballad"Gotham Serenade" and Crook's modal blues"Ixtlan" on this CD contrast with Woods' three originals:"All Bird's Children," the upbeat"My Man Benny" (for Benny Carter) and an enthusiastic"Ole Dude." The quintet's treatments of three standards (all arranged by Crook) practically disguise the tunes, and a particular highlight is the group's version of Benny Carter's"Just a Mood," which pits Woods' clarinet with Crook's wah-wah trombone. A highly enjoyable outing.