Analog Man

• Artist: Ernie Watts Quartet
• Rating:
• Release Date: July 10, 2007
• Total Time: 70:22
• Genre: Jazz

Review

For veteran California saxophonist Ernie Watts, here is another example of why he is one of the finest exponents of modern jazz going. This CD is one in a long line, pre-and-post his work with Charlie Haden's Quartet West, that identifies him as an individualist. Since his sound on tenor so closely mirrors Michael Brecker's, and they are peers, the question will always be -- who came first, and who influenced who? Clearly John Coltrane's muse is extant in both, and they have developed personal voices. Analog Man succeeds on different levels. François Moutin's "Clinton Parkview" is a fresh neo-bop piece with effortless, attractive rhythm changes. On soprano sax, of which Watts is an underrated giant, he displays flawless tone, technique, and unlimited sweetness on the modal "Paseando." The California band of Watts, not well known names nationally, acquit themselves well during the date, especially pianist Christof Saenger, who penned "Paseando." "Gee Baby," one of five Watts originals, shows a blues-jazz sensibility, the band swings hard on the Miles Davis/Victor Feldman hard bopper "Joshua," and he is masterful on the "My Special Angel" flavored ballad "Company." The first two tracks are really long, and may not have been the best lead-off numbers. The "Killer Joe" like easy swinging title track and Brecker-ish neo-bopper "Elements" could have been programmed later in the disc. It is a strong effort, not his best, but adds to the remarkable consistency Watts has enjoyed over his four decade career, and continues to maintain. This CD won the Independent Music Awards Best Jazz CD for 2007. ~ Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Analog Man		Ernie Watts Quartet	(11:15)
Elements		Ernie Watts Quartet	(10:33)
Paseando		Ernie Watts Quartet	(6:45)
Clinton Parkview		Ernie Watts Quartet	(6:59)
Company		Ernie Watts Quartet	(5:37)
Joshua		Ernie Watts Quartet	(10:05)
A Lilac Grows		Ernie Watts Quartet	(9:44)
Gee Baby		Ernie Watts Quartet	(6:26)
Morning Prayer		Ernie Watts Quartet	(2:58)

Credits

Christof Saenger (Piano), Patricia Watts (Temple Bells), Rudi Engel (Bass (Acoustic)), Heinrich Koebberling (Drums), Ernie Watts (Sax (Tenor)), Rudi Engel (Bass (Acoustic)), Rudi Engel (Group Member), Ernie Watts (Group Member), Paul Tavenner (Mixing), Ernie Watts (Sax (Soprano)), Ernie Watts (Producer), Paul Tavenner (Mastering)