Charlie Watts, a charter member of the Rolling Stones and an OK jazz drummer, financed a few jazz projects during the 1980s and '90s. This particular set -- a tribute to Charlie Parker that features a quintet, vocalist Bernard Fowler (who sings "Lover Man" and adds some narration about Parker's life), six strings, harp, and oboe -- has renditions of seven songs associated with Bird. Altoist Peter King is easily the solo star, trumpeter Gerard Presencer is decent but not on the same level, and pianist Brian Lemon also gets in some spots; Watts stays in the background. This well-intentioned program is well worth acquiring and its highlights include versions of "Just Friends," "Dewey Square," and "Perdido." ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Andrew Hughes (Violin), David Green (Bass (Acoustic)), Charlie Watts (Drums), Nicola Akeroyd (Viola), Peter King (Sax (Alto)), Adrian Staines (Violin), Bernard Fowler (Narrator), Roger Wake (Mixing), Roger Wake (Engineer), Martin Giles (Digital Editing), Sylvia Knussen (Cello), Charlie Watts (Performer), Arnold Goodger (Violin), Bernard Fowler (Vocals), Robert Johnson (Harp), Gerard Presencer (Trumpet), Brian Lemon (Piano), David Green (Bass), Julie Robinson (Oboe), Charlie Watts Quintet (Performer), Bernard Fowler (Voices), Peter King (Director), Jim Davis (Violin), Roger Wake (Mastering)
