Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Bobby Watson: Live & Learn
Bobby Watson: Live & Learn
With this release, the artist rekindles his association with bassist Curtis Lundy along with Gregg Skaff (guitar) Orrin Evans (piano) and Montez Coleman (drums). A relatively mainstream outing, Watson draws upon a panorama of influences and sentiments. The quintet embarks upon an itinerary brimming with wistful themes, partly due to Watson’s radiant soloing amid his acute employment of tremolo and vibrato techniques. No doubt, the saxophonist possesses one of the most distinctive styles in jazz.
They swing, and alternate exchanges in concert with hybrid Latin/jazz rhythms along with an odd-metered but celebratory spin on Sammy Davis’ hit, I’ve Gotta Be Me.” Here and throughout Watson uses his alto and soprano saxophone as a vehicle for proficiently constructed thematic inventions. His band-mates render effective solos. However remembrances of Watson and trumpeter Terrell Stafford (“Horizon”) trading fierce fours and eloquently executed unison lines, resurfaced in my mind’s eye on more than one occasion. Nonetheless, his inaugural outing for this very fine record label is an impressive one as the ensemble’s upbeat stance speaks volumes. Recommended.
Track Listing
1.Stanky P 2.Faith In Action 3.We Fall Down 4.Thank You 5.Why Not 6.Live & Learn 7.River Jordan 8.Postlude 9.Landmarks Lost 10.I
Personnel
Bobby Watson
saxophone, altoBobby Watson: alto &n soprano saxophones
Album information
Title: Live & Learn | Year Released: 2002 | Record Label: Palmetto Records
About Bobby Watson
Tags
PREVIOUS / NEXT
Bobby Watson Concerts
Become a Sustaining Member
Since 1995, All About Jazz has championed jazz as an art form and supported the musicians who create it. Over three decades, it has grown into one of the world's leading jazz resources, serving hundreds of thousands of readers, musicians, presenters and industry professionals each month.
Help Build the Future of All About Jazz
Your support helps us continue building All About Jazz for the next generation—expanding our editorial coverage, preserving jazz history, developing new community features and creating better ways to discover the music and the people behind it.
Become a sustaining member for as little as $20 per year and you'll immediately enjoy an ad-free experience along with access to subscriber features and future articles for a full year.
Together, we're not simply sustaining All About Jazz—we're building its future. Thank you for being part of the journey.
