For more than a half century, legendary alto saxophonist Phil Woods has used his talents to illuminate numerous cultural touchstones – from the soundtrack of Paul Newman’s “The Hustler” to Billy Joel’s sentimental favorite “I Love You Just the Way You Are.”

Now Woods will team up with the DePaul University Jazz Ensemble for a rousing eight performance stand running Oct. 23 through Oct. 26 at Joe and Wayne Segal’s Jazz Showcase, 806 S. Plymouth Ct., in historic Dearborn Station.

Woods has performed with scores of the biggest names in jazz and pop music, ranging from Dizzy Gillespie and Lena Horne to Steely Dan and Paul Simon.  He began his association with the DePaul University Jazz Ensemble in May 2004 with a weeklong Jazz Showcase series of concerts that produced “Woodlands,” a critically acclaimed live CD.  In May 2006, the DePaul Jazz Ensemble and Phil again presented a week-long engagement at the Jazz Showcase, producing “Swingchronicity” (Jazzed Media).

Woods has composed more than 200 instrumental pieces, arrangements and songs, including many that he and the DePaul Jazz Ensemble will perform and record during their upcoming engagement.

The DePaul Jazz Ensemble is one of only a handful of college jazz groups in the nation that has been commercially produced and Woods is the latest jazz great to collaborate with the band. 

“The members of the DePaul Jazz Ensemble are incredibly excited about the chance to perform with an artist of Phil Woods’ caliber,” said Bob Lark, director of the ensemble. “Their past collaborations have shown real chemistry.”

Show times for the performances are 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, and 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday.  Tickets are available at the door (cash only).