01/07/2005 John Fordham Jazz UK

Tony Woods must be one of the least-known saxophonists in the UK ever to lead one of the circuit's most imaginative bands. Woods' group played London's Lauderdale House in mid-June, mingling hard-hitting postbopand the folk- music (some of it adapted for the sax from fiddle pieces)Woods probably first got acquainted with through his concertina-playing father. A startling young vibraphonist, Rob Millett...brought the group close to the sound of the 70's Gary Burtonband in his funkier exchanges with gifted guitarist Mike Outram, bassist Andy Hamill was immaculate, and Milo Fell whipcord-tight. If Woods' fine Lowlands album suggested reflective world-jazz, this gig was as punchy as they come.

06/02/2004 Yorkshire Post

Saxophonist, flautist and composer Tony Woods has drawn on British folk traditions for this inventive and imaginative new release and the results are lovely. There are moments of genuine beauty throughout the music as Woods forges a highly personal programme that owes nothing to the American jazz tradition.
Instead, there is a pastoral feel to much of the material that is quintessentially British. But for all that, this is music of drive and authority. Woods' soloing on his own Presence, Penny's Whistle and Rollo's Monkey is invigorating, and there is excellent support from guitarist Mike nOutram, vibist Rob Millett and the bass-and -drums team of Andy Hamill and Milo Fell. It's jazz of admirable freshness and originality.