Bill Watrous has long been one of the top trombonists in jazz. Not only can he play remarkably fast, sounding effortless on an instrument that was once considered potentially awkward, but his tone is one of the most beautiful to be heard.
Watrous had rarely worked with an organist before and he admits to being a little dubious about this project, which was set up by trombonist-producer
Rob Stoneback. But once he started playing with organist
Craig Kastelnik, guitarist Tom Kozic, and drummer
Bill Goodwin, all of his doubts melted away immediately and he clearly had a good time.
Watrous performs six
standards and a closing
blues with the solidly swinging trio.
Kastelnik (as with most organists) is influenced by
Jimmy Smith but has a lighter touch. Kozic's melodic and soulful solos work well in this setting, while
Goodwin is excellent in support.
Rob Stoneback sits in on second trombone during "Blue Monk" and "There Is No Greater Love" quite effectively.
Bill Watrous sounds particularly inspired on "The Way You Look Tonight," a highly expressive "Try a Little Tenderness," and on "In the Still of the Night," during which he takes some very impressive double-time runs in his second solo. Overall, this is one of
Bill Watrous' finest recordings in years, and it is a particular must for those who take his musical talents for granted. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
