The title under this video is Bill Watrous-Spain and that was a great trombone solo, but what about the flute solo? That flute solo was absolutely incredible.
Agreed. I always loved that about his playing. You can't tell where his playing begins or ends b/c it's just so seamless. Not forced, just beautiful smooth tone quality even in the high range. I miss these guys! RIP Bill and Chick! (oh, the Flute solo is amazing as well).
I had this conversation with the amazing drummer of our jazz band when I was in high school (I played keys). Walking from the parking lot to class. Me: Hey, Steve. Steve: Hey. [silence] Steve: Chick's God, isn't he. Me: Yeah.
Bill was featured artist for 1977 UF Jazz Band Gary Langford conductor, me 2nd tenor. Watrous was AMAZING . We had a hot band that year. Good times. Great memories. God must love having Bill's company.
Back in the day that was one of my favorite performances of that piece. I had a great time years ago chatting with Bill when he was a guest artist for All State Jazz Band. My dad was manager or might have been president at that time and Bill told me to be a player but know that the educator is what made me what I am. It is more important than what I do. And the next year I met and hung out with my dad's friend Ed Shawnessey from the tonight show. He and I watched the Carson Show together. Two great influences as to what I do today.
Bill Watrous...probably the best jazz tbone player that ever lived...just killin' it!!! These guys are all so laid back...a magical combo of phenomenal musicianship, composition, time and place
I vaguely remember this as being a Downbeat Reader's Poll Concert of some of the winners in whatever year this was. I'm thinking 75 or 76. Watrous played on Corea's album "The Leprechaun" right around that time as well.
Had the absolute pleasure to meet and play gigs with Bill when he taught in Modesto for the Gottschalks Jazz Band when Ernie Bucio was still alive. Even have a signed poster from him. RIP! ❤️
these great lords of music, george benson guitar chick corea piano and keyboards, Bill Watrous trombone total mastery of the instrument, these guys are legends of jazz
This is incredible! And those of you who think this is ridiculous have no knowledge of what it means to master a musical instrument: Bill Watrous: incredible and mind blowing! absolutely MIND BLOWING! amazing and out of this world! OUT OF THIS WORLD! already back then in the 70s!
Whenever I hear say some music or musicians are "ridiculous," 100% of the time it means "extremely good." I've never heard it used to mean anything else in the context of music.
Stanley Clarke on Bass is a monster-wow! All are superb of course, and this is way back when you had to learn to play your instrument properly, no gadgets to aid you. It was called talent!
+cofla73 Yeah, truly great. Our jazz band did this tune and I didn't do it justice. I saw Lenny live as a kid and was inspired and depressed all at the same time.
so we all managed to name the line up - except the drummer! who is as amazing as everyone else in this clip....for 10 points who is it? (i think i know) & for a bonus who introduces?? :-)
Wow, he showed the flutist it ain't just you. I mean he puts the flute guy to shame! They look disappointed after his solo, I hope they didn't jump him lol
sound is only one aspect though :\ I mean I don't really enjoy listening to Watrous, not saying he is bad at all, the man can play! but just because I don't enjoy listening to him doesn't mean I don't like those guys, I could listen to Fontana till the cows come home!
What would someone complain about? If you don't like Watrous, chances are you don't like Frank Rosolino, Carl Fontana or Dave Steinmeyer. They all have the same pure centered tone, unlike the currently popular sound which spreads too much and sounds harsh to me.
