Despite his exceptional abilities on alto saxophone, Chris Woods toiled for years mainly in supporting roles behind prominent bandleaders including Clark Terry, Count Basie, and Dizzy Gillespie. A compelling soloist when given the chance, he nevertheless remained heavily shaped by Charlie Parker’s influence, which kept him from emerging as an entirely distinctive stylist, even as his playing communicated unmistakable warmth, wit, and vitality. His earliest professional work took place in Memphis, his birthplace. Relocating while still young to St. Louis, he performed with the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra and with trumpeter George Hudson. In 1952 he made his debut as a leader for the United label, cutting eight selections of which only two appeared at the time; Delmark later issued the full session in 1991 under the title Somebody Done Stole My Blues. Woods settled in New York in 1962. Through the following two decades he worked as a freelance musician, appearing and recording with ensembles directed by Gillespie, Terry, Sy Oliver, and Ted Curson, among others. During the 1970s he participated in multiple sessions with Clark Terry’s Big Bad Band, serving as a featured soloist on both alto saxophone and flute. In 1978 he recorded the album Modus Operandi for Delmark, with pianist Jim McNeely among the participants. Woods became a member of Count Basie’s orchestra in 1983 and stayed until his death two years afterward.
