Search - Ernie Watts :: Reaching Up

A strong modern player with chops and musical sense.

NDBx | New York, NY United States | 02/27/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Ernie Watts has been on the scene lending his unique tone to countless recordings. His most visible tenure recently was with the outstanding Charlie Haden-led ensemble "Quartet West". Now Ernie steps out on his own after a long time with a strong modern recording. If you had to describe Ernie it would be the big bodied tone of Dexter Gordon, with that flare for making strong declarative musical statement mixed with the lyrical modern sensibilities of John Coltrane. He runs the gamut on this recording. From modern bost-bop to a wild romp aggressive romp on "Angel's Flight". When Ernie plays a ballad it's memorable. He can improvise both souffully and still explore the intracies, never at the sacrifice of the song though. "You Leave Me Breathless" is a fine example of this. This recording is a good example of a player well steeped in the tradition but looking forward after all these years."