Jazz Articles about Jeff Tain Watts

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Half Note Records: Elvin Jones and Jeff "Tain" Watts

by Mark F. Turner
October 14, 2004

Two outstanding live recordings by two dynamic drummers.

Elvin Jones Jazz Machine The Truth: Heard Live at the Blue Note Half Note Records 2004

The spirit of the esteemed and beloved drummer Elvin Jones will continue in the hearts of fans and musicians in spite of his untimely death in 2004. The new release The Truth: Heard Live at the Blue Note documents the master percussionist's 72nd birthday celebration at New York's Blue Note ...

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Jeff "Tain" Watts: Detained at the Blue Note

by John Kelman
October 12, 2004

From drummer Jeff “Tain" Watts' introduction to the live recording Detained at the Blue Note --"Hey everybody, it's Saturday, let's get loose !"--you know this is going to be a fun event. With a group that includes the ubiquitous pianist Dave Kikoski, bassist Eric Revis, who works with Watts in Branford Marsalis' band, guitarist Dave Gilmore (not the “Pink Floyd" David Gilmour), tenor saxophonist Marcus Strickland and, guesting on three tracks, alto saxophonist Kenny Garrett, the ingredients are all there ...

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Jeff "Tain" Watts: Megawatts

by Terrell Kent Holmes
May 23, 2004

These days, the appearance of a “lost" jazz disc usually means that an old disc is being reissued with perhaps a few alternate takes and new artwork. It's rare when a work appears that is not only brand new but exciting. Such is the case with Megawatts, the first recording as a leader by drummer Jeff “Tain" Watts, recorded in 1991 but not released for contractual reasons. The disc has finally been liberated, however, and it's an event to be ...

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Jeff "Tain" Watts: Moods and Melodies of a Drummer

by R.J. DeLuke
March 13, 2004

Jeff “Tain" Watts is a workingman's drummer. Look around and you find him everywhere. Gigging with Branford Marsalis. Yeah, he did the Wynton thing for a bunch of years. The ill-fated “Tonight Show" band when Jay Leno first took over for Johnny Carson. Look at your CDs. You'll find him. With Michael Brecker, Ravi Coltrane, Kenny Garrett and a whole lot more. He can establish a groove for anyone, as well as flat out cook.His command of his ...

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Jeff "Tain" Watts: Megawatts

by John Kelman
March 8, 2004

Megawatts has had a somewhat chequered past. Originally recorded in 1991, contractual difficulties made it necessary to release the record without Jeff “Tain" Watts’ name on the marquee. Consequently, the album never received the attention it deserved, and this is a shame because aside from being Watts’ first album as a leader, it represents one of only two trio albums that the late pianist Kenny Kirkland recorded. It would be worth the investment for that alone, but the truth is, ...

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Jeff "Tain" Watts Quintet

by David Adler
March 8, 2004

Jeff “Tain" Watts Quintet The Iridium January 19, 2000Trombonist Conrad Herwig was on to something when he recruited the bass/drum team of James Genus and Jeff “Tain" Watts for his latest Criss Cross release, Osteology. The same pair takes the stage for Tain's week-long stint at New York's Iridium jazz club from January 19th through the 23rd. The other band members are strong, too - Ravi Coltrane on tenor and soprano, Paul Bollenback on guitar, and David Budway on ...

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Mike Pope: The Lay of the Land

by Alexander M. Stern
August 25, 2003

In a year that has already produced a number of excellent recordings, Mike Pope's The Lay of the Land may well be one of the best. It's certainly one of the most exciting new albums this reviewer has heard in a long time. Pope, who excels on both acoustic and electric bass, has surrounded himself with major label talent for this indie label release: both Randy and Michael Brecker make appearances, saxophonist Seamus Blake appears on two tracks; guitarist Mike ...