Jazz Articles about David Watson

About David Watson

Album Review

My favorite bumper sticker of the 1980’s read “But Is It Art?” Adopting that as my motto for most of the following two decades, I wondered, “But Is It Jazz?” about the music I was listening to. Applying a Rorschach ink blot test to the new release by bagpipe musician David Watson leads us to varying conclusions. Some relate to suitcases and furry bunnies, but I’ll stick to the music. Finding bagpipes with percussionists, saxophones, didieridu, and a harp wasn’t ...

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Album Review

David Watson: Imprisoned Splendor

by Jack Bowers
April 1, 1999

Although David Watson performs with smaller groups on Imprisoned Splendor, one can easily envision him singing in front of a big band in the manner of his role model, the incomparable Joe Williams. He has the same earnest approach to a lyric and flawless sense of swing, but without the dark burnished voice or spark of individuality that made Williams instantly recognizable and secured his reputation as one of the foremost Jazz/blues singers of our time. That’s no putdown; there’s ...