Ernie Watts Quartet Home Light

Ernie Watts Quartet
Home Light
Flying Dolphin Records

What a career Ernie Watts has had, including a stint in the Tonight Show Orchestra, 25 years doing studio work for films and recordings (including those by Marvin Gaye and others on Motown), three decades in Charlie Haden’s Quartet West. And with all this, he has produced many excellent recordings as a leader. The saxophonist’s excellent Quartet has been together for 18 years, and consists of includes Heinrich Koebberling on drums, Rudy Engel on bass and Christof Saenger on piano. Of their previous recording, "Wheel of Time," I observed that The Quartet was a terrific band.

Watts contributed three compositions of the nine tunes heard here opening with a hard-driving composition that is a contrafact of “I Remember April,” “I Forgot August.” As on the prior record, Watts asserts himself with his robust, driving and imaginative soloing while Saenger's dynamic piano, as well as the propulsive rhythm section, contribute to this fine performance. Drummer Koebberling contributed "Cafe Central 2 AM," a bluesy number with a nice walking tempo with Watts providing a lesson in blues saxophone and conveying the late-night ambiance suggested by the title with thoughtful solos from Saenger and Engel. On Oscar Ruiz's "Distant Friends," Watts is heard on soprano as well as alto sax. Saenger is especially impressive with the fluid eloquence of his playing, while with Koebberling quite dynamic in propelling this along.

Watts' energetic "Frequie Flyiers," has an Ornette-like feel to it with Koebberling spectacular here in support of Watts husky playing. In contrast is the Watts-Saenger collaboration, "Horizon," a gorgeous ballad with lyrical playing and marvelous backing by the rhythm. Then there is the bouncy interpretation of Sam Jones' tribute to Oscar Pettiford, "O.P.," that showcases Engel's fine pizzicato playing and tone before Watts, and Saenger solo. After the charming "Spinning Wheel," there is Brad Goode's tribute to Joe Henderson, "Joe," a percolating performance with an Afro-Cuban groove. Watts has a burly alto sax solo but is also heard on soprano (overdubbed?) at the beginning and end with intriguing inter-weaving horn lines.

The title track, Watts' "Home Light" is a heartfelt performance with a gospel tinge and dedicated to watts friend, the late drummer, and percussionist, Ndugu Chancler. This sincere tribute provides a close to another excellent album of straight-ahead jazz by Watts.

I received my review copy from a publicist. This review appeared in the March-April 2019 Jazz & Blues Report (Issue 383), although I may have made some minor changes. Here is an extended video of the Ernie Watts Quartet in performance.

Ernie Watts' Wheel of Time

"Wheel of Time" is veteran saxophonist Ernie Watt's latest release on Watts' Flying Dolphin Records label. On this he is backed by his European Quartet consisting of pianist Christof Saenger, bassist Rudi Engel and drummer Heinrich Koebberling. This band has been together for 15 years and each members has contributed to the originals here along with four new ones from Watts. The title track is a dedication to the late Charlie Haden with whom Watts played in Haden's Quartet West for 30 years. Also included is an interpretation of Joe Henderson's "Inner Urge."

The Quartet is a terrific band su[p[orting the veteran saxophonist whose career spans from the sixties until today. Watts continues to display a vibrant, expressive sound and dynamic attack although I find his vibrato on the opening "Letter From Home," somewhat harsh which detracts from my enjoyment of the track despite his invention and the energy his playing displays. More satisfying is his energetic rendition of "Inner Urge," while "Andi's Blues" is a nifty blue performance with bassist Engel and pianist Saenger both taking solid solos. Watts' own high energy blues playing is followed by Koebberling nimbly using his brushes.

"L'Agua Azul" is a terrific Brazilian jazz performance on which Watts displays a softer side while the aptly titled "Velocity" is a torrid workout that is influenced by "Giant Steps." It further showcases the leader's virtuosity. The title track opens with Engel's bass, then becoming a lovely duet with Watts before the full quartet enters. Saenger and Koebberling exercise restraint in their accompaniment and  Saenger'ss solo is a marvelous example of taste and restraint, before Engel eloquently takes out this moving performance.

Ernie Watts continues to be a formidable saxophonist who brings considerable passion and invention to his music. His European Quartet does a superb job in accompanying him and making their own statements on a fine recording.

I received my review copy from a publicist. Here us a performance by The Ernie Watts Quartet.