Search - Bobby Watson & Horizion :: Horizon Reassembled

Bobby Watson, jazz genius

Jan P. Dennis | Monument, CO USA | 07/04/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Three things immediately stand out about this stunning recording: First, Bobby Watson may just possibly be the greatest ballad player in the history of jazz. His depth of feeling, his care in arranging, absolutely mesmerize in the three selections included on this marvelous disc: "The Love We Had Yesterday," a gorgeous composition by his wife (first recorded on that classic disc, Love Remains); what must surely be the definitive reading of the Bacharach classic, "The Look of Love"; and "Dark Days," bearing superficial resemblance to his previously definite reading of this amazing song on Love Remains, but even darker and more mysterioso with its eerie bass stylings, the brilliant muted trumpet of Terrell Stafford, and the moody pianism of Edward Simon, trumped, amazingly, by "Dark Days (Interlude)" that immediately follows.Second, Mr. Watson has absolutely nailed the mid-tempo semi-rockin' vibe which is one of the staples of hardbop/postbop. The opening number, "Lemoncello," brilliantly demonstrates this. Sounding like an instant classic, with its long-limbed, loping lines, its sinuous two-horn fugal passages, and some very smart fills from the inimitable Victor Lewis, surely the unsung drum master of his generation. The feat is deftly repeated on Lewis's "Eeeyyess," the title cut from his brilliant disc as leader from 1997 on Enja. Indeed, Mr. Watson once recorded nearly an entire disc of music of this type (Quite As It's Kept, from Red in 1999, and entirely worth having).Third, this great band (Watson, alto sax; Terrell Stafford, trumpet; Edward Simon, piano; Essiet Essiet, bass; and Victor Lewis, drums) makes hardbop/postbop of the most beguiling character. As I've noted many times before, the jazz world is littered with mediocre sessions playing in this tired genre. Because it's almost the signature type of post-bebop jazz music, it seems to attract a lot of practitioners. That doesn't mean it's easy to pull off. Quite the contrary. It takes musicians of incredible insight, taste, communication, and dedication to make this music come alive. That this band never fails to do so bespeaks musicianship of the highest caliber. Bottom line, this is a disc of brilliant compositions, brilliantly conceived, played, and recorded. Essential."

Progressive Post Bop

Christopher Henrici | Washington, DC United States | 05/13/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have to confess I never heard of Bobby Watson until I found this recording on Palmetto records website. I had heard of Victor Lewis who plays on a number of recordings I have. "Horizon Revisited" is very accessible jazz- I might even recommend this for a newcomer to jazz, or for someone who is ready to make the jump from so called smooth jazz to the real thing, but it is far from superficial. There is tremendous feeling here, tight grooves that breath, beautiful ballads, and interesting original compositions. All the musicians have an assuredness that comes from experience- there is a propulsive power underlying things, yet it never feels forced. Bobby wrote the booklet notes and speaks of the mutual respect they share for each other and of being overwhelmed at where the music was when they came together again. You can hear it here. Recorded at the rural setting of Maggies Farm studio, which seems to be a theme similar to Mapleshade studio here in Maryland- Provide the musicians with a relaxing and inspiring atmosphere and record them impeccably."