Jazz Articles about Ernie Watts

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Jackie Ryan: This Heart of Mine

by C. Michael Bailey
January 13, 2004

The thing that first struck me about this fine recording was the concrete accompaniment provided Ms. Ryan. Solid, effortless swing is what propels this veteran vocalist through This Heart of Mine.  The high quality of this swing, which I credit to crack arranging, is that much more a surprise when considering that the arrangements on this recording were very much a concerted effort.  All are uniformly fine, but I must tip my hat to pianist Jon Meyer for his astute direction ...

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Jackie Ryan: This Heart of Mine

by Roger Crane
January 5, 2004

You simply cannot sing a song any better than Jackie Ryan does. And you cannot make a better jazz vocal CD than this one. It is perfect. If that sounds too reverent, let me change the praise to “perfectly wonderful.” Each of the elements is truly wonderful: the choice of songs, the arrangements, accompanying musicians, even the ordering of the songs. And, most importantly, of course, Jackie Ryan! She is a smart, sophisticated vocalist for grown ups and this is ...

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Jackie Ryan: This Heart Of Mine

by Jim Santella
October 16, 2003

Listen to Jackie Ryan's voice and consider this: how important is it to you that vocal jazz come from the heart?

Ryan’s latest release proves that nothing works better on your soul than the real thing. With three teams of top-rate West Coast sidemen and welcome appearances from several key guests, Ryan’s straight-ahead program settles in with a charm seldom seen in today’s crowded singer’s market. She’s genuine.

Slow ballads, gentle bossa novas, and ...

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New Stories Trio: Speakin' Out

by Jason West
November 1, 2000

Does the Seattle jazz community-that nebulous amalgamation of big-eared musicians, students and listeners-realize the good fortune that we possess as friendly, backyard neighbors to John Bishop, Doug Miller and Marc Seales: the New Stories Trio? It's a question that is undoubtedly answered with countless nods in the affirmative from those of us who have heard the trio perform with local sax legend Don Lanphere, Grammy-nominated vocalist Mark Murphy, numerous Port Townsend and Earshot festival groups, and Ernie Watts—L.A. saxophone heavyweight ...

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Various Artists: A Twist of Jobim

by Douglas Payne
May 1, 1997

This appropriately “smooth jazz" tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim is perhaps one of the best that's come out over the last few years. Like many of Jobim's records, it goes down like a smooth, relaxing drink. Producer, arranger and nominal leader guitarist Lee Ritenour has collected some fine talent, particularly frequent collaborator Dave Grusin, and crafted some very nice moments throughout. Highlights include “Water to Drink" (featuring Ritenour and Grusin), “Captain Bacardi" (an old Ritenour / Grusin staple with Eric ...