Search - Ernie Watts :: Classic Moods

A Master At Work

A. K. L. | Steilacoom, WA USA | 06/02/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A superb all-star quartet presenting fresh and often stunningly elegant performances of classic ballads: 1996, with Watts on tenor, Mulgrew Miller on piano, George Mraz on bass, Jimmy Cobb drums - all passed masters!One of the unsung heros of the modern tenor, Mr. Watts paid his dues with the Buddy Rich orchestra and the Tonight Show band, where he did twenty years hard time! He can also be heard on countless ad jingles and movie scores - "all that anonymous stuff," as he calls it. But be not deceived: this schooling is what produced Michael Brecker and Pete Christlieb. These ballads are not commercials or smooth jazz licks for the doctor's office. Ernie is a master improvisor who delights in each turn of phrase, embellishes the end of each bar with a flourish, and invents new ideas to garnish each measure of these classic tunes. Watts is a virtuoso who can blend taste and soul. And if you get a chance to hear him in person, do it! He is one of the most exciting players out there. In the high registers, he is capable of going places I never knew a tenor sax could go. (I play the tenor, and what he does blows my mind more than any of the better know tenors of today!) In his past work, Ernie's tone has seemed a bit brittle, at least in the recording studio. He has not come off as a deep-hearted low-register player. This ballad set should correct that misperception. His tone is lush yet elegant: a glass of Chardonnay in white gloves. Ernie Watts is a name that should be up there as high on the list as James Carter or Joshua Redman. Even higher, in fact, because while those guys are still searching for a distinctive voice, Ernie's sound and style are instantly recognizable."

Extraordinary playing by a great tenor player

A. K. L. | 11/02/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It remains a mystery to me why Ernie Watts has received so little recognition in the jazz press. Most fans will recognize him from his work with Charlie Haden's Quartet West, but his solo work remains woefully unappreciated. Ernie Watts has the purest sound of any tenor player living today. Get this cd!"