Search - Jeff Tain Watts :: Megawatts

High Energy, Deep Spirit, Daring Swing

Michael F. Hopkins | Buffalo, NY USA | 07/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Listening to this superb trio recording by the Jeff "Tain" Watts trio, it comes to mind just how much Music we didn't hear from that first Wynton Marsalis quintet of the early 1980s.



Unfettered by the Crescent City archivist's penchant for showy revivialism, the trio which backed those earliest Marsalis successes sounds richer, far more robust than anything they've ever done with Wynton. In fact, this 1991 date sports a far more original stamp on traditional Jazz approach than anything associated with the trumpeter's overall derivative sound.

Best of all, MEGAWATTS showcases an imaginative compositional touch which has, generally, been missing from the past 25 years of Marsalis acolytes staked on slavish imitation.



In what was the only trio recording of drummer Watts with pianist Kenny Kirkland, with supple basswork from maestro Charles Fambrough, MEGAWATTS is a knockout of rhapsodic splendor! From the bravura romp of Wayne Shorter's "Black Nile" to the Monkish sway of Fambrough's "Blooski", you know you're in Jamtime; ever so daring and sweet on the groove. Try to stay still through the sheer excitement of "The Impaler", brandishing Watts' scintillating writing hand, or the giddying dance touched upon in Keith Jarrett's "Rainbow", and find yourself in inevitable, delightful movement.



Just for hearing Jazz up front, an unrelenting treat for your ear, this album is a must. Step up, kick back, and enjoy!"

This is a re-release

Glenn Slayden | Seattle, WA USA | 11/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Fair warning: this is an identical re-release of the CD "Thunder and Rainbows" released under "Jazz from Keystone" (Amazon ASIN B0000035YS)."