“If you like the music it’s good. If you don’t like the music its bad”. “Jazz is a conversation. The more riffs and phrases you know, the more interesting the conversation”.

The above were quotes taken from Ernie’s masters workshop and concert. Along with his virtuoso band, the almost full house was treated to an almost 2 hour tour of post 1950’s jazz ending with the fusion of Jaco Pastorius.

1st Set

Opening with an amalgam of music featuring standard post-bop phrasing into “Freaky Flyers”. Ernie lead the charge with high energy aggressive yet smooth tone. The members of his band pianist Marc Seales, bassist Bruce Lett and drummer Bob Leatherburrow grooved with Ernie interjecting his explorations of the sound. He was a master at using both dynamics and speed to keep the audience’s attention.

Ernie also assumed a professorial role discussing Bird, Miles and Trane and their significance. He mentioned “Kind of Blue” led him personally to adopt a more melodic approach which he combines with his command of the instrument which includes gruff high register blows as well as soft sounds.

He also mentioned the influence of alto saxophonist Cannonball Adderly (also part of Miles’s Kind Of Blue band) . Adderly was a former employer that Ernie played with for 3 albums.

A Watts/Seales penned “Through theVeil” ended the set. He promised it would be short, not the 27 minute recording. Just 11 minutes (short for jazz performance.

2nd set

The band went easy on the audience next with the familiar Thelonius Monk “I Need You”. Before Wayne Shorter’s “This if for Albert” with Lett’s bass dominating the sound.

“Teen Town” written by the revolutionary bassist Jaco Pastorius followed. Jaco was part of Wayne Shorter’s Weather Report.

Going back to the Coltrane songbook with “Soul Eyes” provided a slow ballad. Seales leading a trio for a part of the tune.

Seales was featured again with Watts in a duet “Ascending Truth”.

The concert wrapped up with a gospel tinged “Home Light”.

Both Lett and Leatherburrow were given brief solo spots where their talents were highlighted.

So in conclusion. The audience agreed the music was good. Countless riffs and phrases taken from Coltrane, Miles and others so the conversation proved quite interesting. For more information on Ernie Watts see his website.

erniewatts.com.

The final concert of the A Place for Jazz Series will be on November 13th with the flutist Ali Ryerson and her Quartet.

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