Customer Reviews

Bone Straight Ahead

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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!!!

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.

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.

Fans of Bill Watrous (and jazz trombone in general) really need to sample his playing in a small group setting where longer solos and a more intimate backup ensemble allow him to shine in a different way than on his big band sessions. He's joined on this 1973 recording by a formidable group of players: Danny Stiles on trumpet, Hank Jones on piano, Milt Hinton on bass, Steve Gadd on drums, and on the first two tracks, Al Cohn on tenor sax.
The tracks include two Watrous originals ("Don't Tell Me What To Do," which is presented in two different takes, and a blues called "Snafu") and three jazz standards ("Just Friends," "Blue Lou," and "Lester Leaps In"). Plenty of energy and great solos in these tracks - perfect to liven up your small group playlist. Another welcome reissue from the Famous Door series. The only thing I'd ask for is a bit more substance in the liner notes.

Danny Stiles is by far the greatest trumpet player that has ever lived. Please note, the proceeds from sales of this do not go the musicians or their families.

It was a nice piano solo but I was expecting to hear some bone ! silly me.