Jazz Articles

Jeff "Tain" Watts: Watts

by Terrell Kent Holmes
February 24, 2009

The title of drummer Jeff “Tain" Watts new CD, Watts, isn't as superficial as it seems. While referring naturally to the leader, it also recalls the site of the apocalyptic riots in 1965, a neighborhood that produced jazz legend Charles Mingus. This is important because the tunes on the disc, written by Watts, are reverential, referential and have a satirical edge that echoes some of Mingus' finest moments. This disc reteams Watts with his longtime partners in ...

Jeff "Tain" Watts: Watts

by Mark F. Turner
February 19, 2009

Noted for his distinct and propulsive style, the eminent drummer/composer Jeff “Tain" Watts is a longtime member of the Branford Marsalis quartet and a leading sideman for many artists; yet it's his own recordings as a leader that are the most telling. True to form, this eponymous release has plenty of the drummer's fireworks but also shows that the power of his pen is almost as mighty as his sticks, with compositions that contain humor, incredible swing, angular rhythms, and ...

Tain & the Ebonix: Folk's Songs

by Woodrow Wilkins
December 1, 2007

There are tribute albums, and then there's Folk's Songs, Jeff “Tain Watts' debut release on Dark Key Music under the group name Tain & the Ebonix. Rather than the typical collection of remakes, Watts delivers seven original compositions among the ten songs that honor people who have influenced and inspired him. Tain & the Ebonix are Watts on drums and percussion, everyman Christian McBride on bass, Marcus Strickland on saxophones and David Kikoski on piano. The ensemble ...

Tain & the Ebonix: Folk's Songs

by Craig W. Hurst
September 17, 2007

Folk's Songs, led by drummer Jeff “Tain" Watts and his group Tain and the Ebonix, comprises ten compositions, including seven Watts originals all dedicated to various folks. The tunes not composed by Watts are by pianists Keith Jarrett ("Rotation and “Rotation II ) and the late Kenny Kirkland ("Blasphemy ). Specific tune dedications range from other musicians such as Curtis Mayfield, Branford Marsalis, Kenny Kirkland and the late Dewey Redman to comedian Dave Chappell, artist Jean Michel Basquiat and all ...

Tain & the Ebonix: Folk's Songs

by Michael P. Gladstone
July 20, 2007

This is the fifth solo album for Jeff “Tain" Watts and broadens his approach on this effort. The drummer has the distinction of reporting that he appeared on every Grammy-Award winning album by Wynton and Branford Marsalis. Originally from Pittsburgh and graduating with a degree in classical percussion from Desquesne University and the Berklee College of Music, Watts has become a well-known face from his appearances with the groups of Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis and the NBC Tonight Show Orchestra, ...

Tain & the Ebonix: Folk's Songs

by Jerry D'Souza
June 7, 2007

A lot of water has flowed under Jeff “Tain Watts musical bridge since he came into prominence as the drummer in Wynton Marsalis' band. Watts has gone on to extend his musical circle playing in varied settings and by leading his own groups. This time around he has a new band in Ebonix, with saxophonist Marcus Strickland, bassist Christian McBride and pianist David Kikoski.

Watts wrote most of the music. He has Keith Jarrett in the mix, as well as ...

Tain & the Ebonix: Folk's Songs

by Troy Collins
May 18, 2007

Jeff “Tain" Watts, the most vivacious drummer to emerge from the much ballyhooed “young lions phenomenon of the early 1980s, has reached beyond traditional hard-bop to embrace the diverse stylistic influences that inspire him. His straight-ahead credentials are well-documented on seminal records from Wynton and Branford Marsalis. The ensuing years have found him exploring more adventurous territory, supporting Geri Allen, Steve Coleman, Alice Coltrane and Greg Osby.

Watt's current quartet, the awkwardly named Tain & the Ebonix, present ...

Tain & the Ebonix: Folk's Song

by Russ Musto
May 17, 2007

Jeff “Tain Watts, regarded by many as the most important drummer/leader of his generation, has also proven to be one of the more significant jazz composers to emerge in his time. On Folk's Songs, a date of (predominantly) original compositions dedicated to a diverse collection of artists (and one for the “citizens of earth ), he debuts his band the Ebonix, featuring Christian McBride (basses), Marcus Strickland (saxophones) and David Kikoski (piano and keyboards), with guest appearances by guitarist David ...