Search - Bill Watrous :: Bone Straight Ahead

Trombone and Trumpet Pyrotechnics of the Highest Order

Norman Zierler | New Hartford, NY United States | 03/03/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bill Watrous has been woefully underrecorded in his brilliant career, and this reissue is like manna from heaven. He and the late great Danny Stiles on trumpet tear it up on the composition Don't Tell Me What to Do, with a killer introduction of the late Milt Hinton's walking bass followed by a brilliant opening solo by the marvelous Hank Jones on piano. Then listen to Steve Gadd's brilliant drumming on a blazing version of Lester Leaps In. Danny Stiles hits the Maynard Ferguson stratosphere with his burning runs up the scale, and then Watrous ignites it further with a breakneck solo only he could play that cleanly. I still have the LP, and I'm thrilled to have a CD that won't wear out. I defy anyone to not start finger snapping and hip shaking while listening to this CD.
If you like your brass hot and blazing, GET THIS CD!!!"

Famous Door re-issue

Thomas Cox | Warrenton, MO USA | 09/03/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a re-issue of a recording Watrous and Stiles made in late 1972 and early '73. The playing is first-rate as Harry Lim assembled an all-star group for the session including Al Cohn on tenor sax, Milt Hinton on bass, Hank Jones piano, and Steve Gadd on drums. Despite this recording being nearly 30 years old it doesn't sound dated. The ensemble is tight as can be and of course the rhythm cooks! Watrous' superb technical facility and Stiles' range are highlighted throughout. It is always interesting to hear alternate takes and this recording features 2 takes on "Don't Tell Me What To Do", a Watrous original. My only complaint is that it is only 38 minutes long, even with the addition of the second take. But I admit I never get enough of great music."

No one like him..

John C. Lobert | Lisle, IL USA | 07/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bill Watrous is the smoothest, most talented trombone player out there today. It is such a joy to listen to his music. If you like jazz, and if you like the trombone, then buy this album -- and his others, as well."