A Frenchman from Detriot...
Derek Taylor | Madison, WI | 10/21/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Julius Watkins remains the cream of the crop among jazz french hornists (not that there's much competition for that coveted crown) & an early pioneer in the struggle to expand the sometimes rigid boundaries of jazz instrumentation. This beautifully packaged re-issue of two 10" sessions from the mid-50's features Julius in the company of the upper echelon of the Blue Note garrison. Oscar Pettiford, Hank Mobley & Duke Jordan are each given room to stretch out, and with Kenny Clarke & Art Blakey holding down the fort on skins this disc is a guaranteed winner. The french horn may seem an ungainly jazz voice, but in Watkin's hands it sings with a chamber-like quality, so much so that a mellow feeling pervades even on the more uptempo swinging numbers. An added bonus is Rudy Van G's expert miking of all participants with special attention to Pettiford's nimble low-end strolls on his upright. The only weak link is Perez Lopez on guitar who comes up with some pretty fills, but is obviously (and understandably) reticent in the presence of so many giants. The disc as a whole isn't an absolute classic, but it offers a rare opportunity to hear Watkins at length, blowing brilliantly on his own creative compositions. Well worth a thoughtful listen."
Pleasantly Different
Darryl Roberts | 08/26/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Every once in a while it is good to hear other instruments. Watkins' skills on the french horn are top-notched. I hope that Blue Note re-releases it so that more people can get it.This combo disc (it's from two 10" records) is easily a hard bop classic from begin to end."
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1
