Joe Sample - The Hunter (1983)

Joe Sample returns to the smooth jazz style of his popular albums Rainbow Seeker, Carmel, and Voices in the Rain on 1983's The Hunter. The keyboardist fills up a studio with like-minded session musicians including trumpeter Tom Browne, horn players Chuck Findley, Jerry Hey, and Ernie Watts, guitarists Dean Parks, David Spinozza, and Phil Upchurch, bassists Abraham Laboriel and Marcus Miller, percussionist Paulinho Da Costa, and drummer Steve Gadd, and sets them loose on some rhythmic tracks with a rock/R&B feel. The beat is paramount, a constant augmented by funky, popping basslines, with guitar solos and horn charts overlaid. And, weaving in and out is Sample, on either acoustic or electric piano, finding room to solo extensively. The solos are more of the rock variety than what a conventional jazz fan would recognize, since they are anchored to the relentless beats. But Sample is one of the more accomplished players in smooth jazz, and his sidemen are able to support him and, when given the chance, match him in their playing. ~ by William Ruhlmann, AMG. 

MCA Records, MCAD-1471, 1983
Recorded at Sound Recorders, Hollywood and Salty Dog Studios, L.A., CA;
Except ‘The Hunter’ at A & R Studios, New York, N.Y. 

Musicians:
Joe Sample - Keyboards [Acoustic], Electric Piano, Synthesizer
Tom Browne - Trumpet [Lead], Soloist (#1)
Bill Reichenbach, Chuck Findley, Dick Hyde, Ernie Watts,
Jerry Hey, Larry Williams, Steve Madaio - Horns (#1,3-6)
John Phillips - Woodwinds (#2), Bass Clarinet, Soloist (#6)
Rory Kaplan - Programming [Synthesizers]
Galen Senogles - Synthesizer [Overdubs]
David Spinozza - Guitar (#1)
Phil Upchurch - Guitar, Soloist (#3)
Dean Parks - Guitar (#2-4,6), Soloist (#5), Rhythm Guitar (#5)
Marcus Miller - Bass (#1)
Abraham Laboriel - Bass (#2-6)
Steve Gadd - Drums (#1)
Bob Wilson - Drums (#2-6)
Paulinho da Costa - Percussion

Tracks:
1. The Hunter (5:48)
2. Blue Ballet (4:09)
3. Beauty And The Beast (6:29)
4. Wings Of Fire (5:25)
5. Just A Little Higher (5:32)
6. Night Flight (9:00) 

All compositions by Joe Sample 

Total Time: 36:26 

Credits:
Producer - Joe Sample, Wilton Felder
Executive Assistant - Tom Hooper
Recording Engineer - Jim Boyer (#1)
Recording & Mixing (#2) Engineer - Rik Pekkonen
Mixing - Galen Senogles, Wilton Felder (#1,3-6)
Mastering Engineer - Bernie Grundman [A&M Studios]
Coordinator - Pamela H. Lobue, Robin Howell
Art Direction - George Osaki
Painting [Cover] - Laddia Holly 

The Hunter

Ernie Watts - Chariots Of Fire (1981)

Great album. Ernie's proficiency comes through on Chariots of Fire followed by other funk-jazz infused tracks, obviously with Quincy's production influence. A delightful listen overall! ~ Pa Colin, Amazon.com. 

On this album saxophonist Ernie Watts blows in all directions and can easily be considered one of the masterpieces of Qwest Records led by producer Quincy Jones. The theme was the title song composed by Vangelis for "Chariots of Fire" which won the Best Picture Award at the 54th Academy Awards, and arranged by Michael Omartian. Ernie is joined by some great musicians including: Keyboardists Richard Tee, Don Grusin, Greg Phillinganes; guitarists Steve Lukather, David E. Williams, bassist Neil Stubenhaus and drummer John Robinson to name a few. Overall, a disco-fusion flavoured sound that will entertain even the most discerning of listeners, Enjoy! 

Qwest Records, QW 56 982, 1982
Qwest Records, WPCR-28018, 2014
Recorded 19th-31st October, 1981 at Westlake Audio, Los Angeles, California 

Musicians:
Ernie Watts - Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Flute, Percussion, Vocals
Larry Hall - Trumpet
Jerry Hey - Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Horn Arrangements
Bill Reichenbach Jr. - Trombone, Trumpet
Don Grusin - Keyboards, Piano [Electric], Synthesizer
James Ingram - Keyboards, Rhythm & Vocal Arranger, Vocal Effect, Vocals
Michael Omartian - Keyboards, Piano, Strings, Arranger
Greg Phillinganes - Synthesizer, Synthesizer Bass
Richard Tee - Keyboards, Piano [Electric]
Ian Underwood - Synthesizer
Steve Lukather - Guitar
Carlos Rios - Guitar
David E. Williams - Guitar [Rhythm]
Neil Stubenhaus - Bass
John "J.R." Robinson - Drums
Paulinho Da Costa - Percussion
Quincy Jones - Percussion, Rhythm Arrangements
Howard Hewett, Phillip Ingram - Vocals 

Tracks:
A1. Chariots Of Fire [Theme] (Dance Version) {Vangelis} (5:55)
A2. Hold On {James Ingram, Quincy Jones} (4:25)
A3. Lady {Lionel B. Richie Jr.} (3:49)
A4. Gigolo {Quincy Jones, Merria Ross} (4:36)
B1. Valdez In The Country {Donny Hathaway} (5:14)
B2. Abraham's Theme {Vangelis} (3:46)
B3. Five Circles {Vangelis} (3:40)
B4. Chariots Of Fire [Theme] (Slow Version) {Vangelis} (4:27) 

Total Time: 35:56 

Credits:
Producer, Liner Notes - Quincy Jones
Recording & Mixing - Bruce Swedien [Acusonic]
Mastering - Bernie Grundman
Art Direction & Design - Art Sim [11:24 Design]
Photography - Bobby Holland 

UK 12" Special Dance Mix

Ernie Watts - Sanctuary (1986)

This Qwest project was a typical crossover project for Ernie Watts, who recorded a series of commercial sets for Elektra and Qwest. The rhythms are danceable; Watts displays attractive tones on tenor, alto, and soprano; the supporting cast includes top L.A. studio musicians; Don Grusin contributes keyboards and electronic rhythms; among the many vocalists are Larry Williams and Phil Perry; and guitarist Lee Ritenour pops up on a few numbers. Ernie Watts would soon start recording more creative jazz and start to realize his potential, which is largely wasted on this effort. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG.

 

Qwest Records, 9 25513-1, 1986
Recorded at Monterey Sound Studios, Glendale, California;
and Additional at Starlight Studio, Malibu, California. 

Musicians:
Ernie Watts - Alto (#A1,A3,B1,B3), Soprano (#A2,B1), Tenor (#A2,A4,B2,B4)
Larry Williams - Synth Voice (#A1), Funny Horns (#A2), Horse Hoofs (#A3),
Synth Horn (#B1), Synth Strings (#B4), Vocals [Background]
Don Grusin - Keyboards, Drum & Synthesizer Programming, Vocal Arranger
Lee Ritenour - Guitar (#A1,A3,B2)
Carlos Rios - Guitar (#A2,B3)
Abraham Laboriel, Sr. - Bass (#A4,B2)
Nathan East - Bass (#B1)
John Robinson - Drums (#A1-A3,B3)
Carlos Vega - Drums (#A4,B1)
Paulinho da Costa - Percussion (#A1,A2,B2)
Alex Acuña - Drums (#B2), Percussion (#B2,B4)
Phil Perry - Vocals (#A2,A4,B3), Background Vocals (#A1), Arranger [Vocals]
Kevin Dorsey, Aladrain Elmore, Roy Galloway, Siedah Garrett, Kate Markowitz,
Lillain Tynes Perry, Darryl Phinnessee, Oren Waters - Background Vocals 

Tracks:
A1. Taj {Don Grusin} (4:11)
A2. She Feels Good {Don Grusin} (3:53)
A3. Cowboy Dreams {Don Grusin} (4:22)
A4. Homeland {Phil Perry, Don Grusin} (4:55)
B1. Chinook {Don Grusin} (5:30)
B2. Sanctuary {Ernie Watts} (5:20)
B3. City Speak {Don Grusin} (4:18)
B4. The Peace Offering {Ernie Watts} (3:22) 

Total Time: 35:51 

Credits:
Producer - Ernie Watts
Producer, Mixing [Digital], Arranger - Don Grusin
Executive-Producer - Quincy Jones
Recording Engineer, Mixing [Digital] - Geoff Gillette
Additional Engineering - Don Murray
Assistant Engineer, Digital Mixing - Stan Katayama
Assistant Engineer - Terry Bower
Mastering - Wally Traugott
Art Direction, Design - Gabrielle Raumberger 

"Deep within our souls is a place of peace and love,
where there is no hate, no war, no competition.
This is our true homeland - our sanctuary of the heart."

Ernie Watts Quartet - Oasis (2011)

A dictionary definition of "Oasis" cites: "something serving as a refuge, relief, or pleasant change from that which is usual, annoying, or difficult." In our modern world, all three of these last-mentioned can be frequent. For Ernie Watts, music has been an oasis his whole life. One way he immerses himself in this oasis is by using his spirit, his heart, and his deep knowledge of jazz to write music. Another is of course to play his horn, in wordless conversation with other musicians or communing with just his instrument alone in a room (which often produces new music from him.) This album contains music from many sources; three compositions from Watts, one each from Christof Saenger and Heinrich Koebberling, a bebop classic from Bird and Dizzy, a ballad from Johnny Mandel and Dave Frishberg, another from Joe Sample and Will Jennings. There is a Lennon/McCartney tune, and Ernie’s major inspiration John Coltrane has a composition here too--Trane’s music was the Watts entry into the Oasis of Jazz. Whether you need refuge, or simply joy, here is an Oasis for you. ~ erniewatts.com. 

Flying Dolphin Records, FD 1008, 2011
Recorded 18th-19th April, 2011 at Topaz Studios, Cologne, Germany 

Musicians:
Ernie Watts - Tenor Saxophone
Christof Saenger - Piano
Rudi Engel - Bass
Heinrich Koebberling - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Konbanwa {Heinrich Kobberling} (7:19)
02. Oasis {Jeremy Monteiro, Ernie Watts} (11:03)
03. One Day I'll Fly {Will Jennings, Joe Sample} (6:22)
04. Blackbird {John Lennon, Paul McCartney} (7:18)
05. Palmito {Christof Saenger} (5:20)
06. Crescent {John Сoltrane} (9:42)
07. Twilight Waltz {Jeremy Monteiro, Ernie Watts} (7:33)
08. Bass Geige "bahss guy-geh" {Ernie Watts} (6:55)
09. You Are There {Dave Frishberg, Johnny Mandel} (5:19)
10. Shaw Nuff {Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker} (6:26) 

Total Time: 73:18 

Credits:
Producer - Ernie Watts
Recording Engineer - Reinhardt Kobialka
Mixing & Mastering - Paul Tavenner 

Oasis

Ernie Watts - The Ernie Watts Quartet (1987) [Bonus Tracks]

After years of being heard primarily in commercial settings, Ernie Watts finally had an opportunity to record exactly what he wanted as a leader on this JVC CD. Watts, in a quartet with pianist Pat Coil, bassist Joel DiBartolo and drummer Bob Leatherbarrow, features his Coltrane-influenced tenor and a bit of alto and soprano on some group originals and standards (including "My One and Only Love" "Skylark" and "Body and Soul"). One of his finest recordings to date. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG. 

JVC Records, JLP-3309, 1988
JVC Compact Discs, 20052, 1991
Recorded 14th-15th December, 1987 at Sunset Sound Studios, Hollywood, California 

Musicians:
Ernie Watts - Tenor, Alto & Soprano Saxophones
Pat Coil - Piano
Joel DiBartolo - Bass
Bob Leatherbarrow - Drums

Tracks:
01. Language Of The Heart {Bob Boykin, Ernie Watts} (4:53)
02. Continental Blues {Ernie Watts} (5:29)
03. Echoes {Pat Coil, Ernie Watts} (5:04)
04. My One And Only Love {Robert Mellin, Guy Wood} (5:04)
05. On The Border {Ernie Watts} (5:44)
06. Skylark {Hoagy Carmichael, Johnny Mercer} (5:15)
07. A New Face {Bob Leatherbarrow} (5:02)
08. Clockwise {Cedar Walton} (5:42)
09. Body And Soul {Eyton, Green, Heyman, Sour} (6:14)
10. One In Three {Bob Leatherbarrow} (5:09)
11. Chelsea {Fats Waller} (5:22) 

Total Time: 59:04 

Credits:
Producer - Ernie Watts, Akira Taguchi, Takashi Misu
Recording Engineer - Don Murray
Engineer Assistant - Michael Kloster
Digital Editing - Hideo Takada [JVC Studios, Tokyo]
Management - Nancy Meyer, The Cameron Organisation, Inc.
Design: Dakos/Junker
Photography - Walter Mladina 

Ernie Watts is the finest sax player of the 21st Century
=========================================
The combination of Watts and Coil is absolutely fantastic. The ballads are intricate, complex, delicate, and soulful, with plenty of Wattsian originality and deep feeling. The rough, hard core bop stuff would put Coltrane on his knees, begging for mercy. This CD is absolutely delicious, and dripping with enthusiasm, soul, and commitment. This may be the finest jazz CD ever recorded, and now you know why it is perpetually "out of stock". There are 11 tracks here and you can go nuts trying to figure out which ones are the best. It is amazing. It sells for 9.95 but it's absolutely priceless. Be sure also to listen to Ernie Watts on Charlie Haden's exquisite "Haunted Heart" and "Now is the hour" CD's. Ernie Watts is a treasure. This is the very best Ernie Watts CD hands down. You must have it. ~ Richard Everett, Amazon.com.

Ernie Watts Quartet - Analog Man (2007)

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. ~ by Michael G. Nastos, AMG. 

Flying Dolphin Records, FD 1005, 2007
Recorded 13th & 14th November, 2006 at Topaz Studio, Cologne, Germany 

Musicians:
Ernie Watts - Tenor Sax, Soprano Sax
Christof Säenger - Piano
Rudi Engel - Acoustic Bass
Heinrich Köbberling - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Analog Man {Ernie Watts} (11:15)
2. Elements {Ernie Watts, David Witham} (10:33)
3. Paseando {Christof Säenger} (6:45)
4. Clinton Parkview {François Moutin} (6:59)
5. Company {Alfred Johnson, Rickie Lee Jones} (5:37)
6. Joshua {Victor Feldman} (10:05)
7. A Lilac Grows {Ernie Watts, David Witham} (9:44)
8. Gee Baby {Ernie Watts} (6:26)
9. Morning Prayer {Ernie Watts} (2:58) 

Total Time: 70:23 

Credits:
Producer - Ernie Watts
Recording Engineer - Reinhard Kobialka
Mixing & Mastering - Paul Tavenner 

Analog Man

Randy Crawford - Secret Combination (1981)

It is little wonder that Secret Combination remains Randy Crawford's most successful album in the UK. It is a superb collection of well-chosen material, expertly played by the cream of L.A session players and sung with great conviction. Macon, Georgia-born Crawford had first risen to prominence in the UK as the featured vocalist on the Crusaders' Street Life in 1979, and enjoyed her first solo hit the following year with One Day I'll Fly Away. Secret Combination, released in May 1981, was the album that capitalised on this success. Although Crawford had previously been an earthy jazz singer, Secret Combination barely breaks a sweat. Produced by Tommy LiPuma (the man responsible for turning George Benson from a jazzer into a commercial superstar) and it is consistently pleasant, radio-friendly pop-soul. What bite there is can be found on lead single You Might Need Somebody, a Hollywood-softened dirty blues and the album's closer, Trade Winds. Crawford imbues everything with a honeyed experience - none more so than on the title track where her quiet steadfastness retains the love of the song’s hero. Secret Combination’s covers excel: Crawford's version of Tony Joe White's A Rainy Night In Georgia may lack the despair of Brook Benton's famous reading, but sweetens the longing. That's How Heartaches Are Made (made famous by 'Baby' Washington/the Marvelettes) makes the song's desperation almost playful. In 1981, Secret Combination seemed to be everywhere. It spent 60 weeks on the UK charts and reached No. 2. And in 1982, she won the Best Female Artist award at the Brits on the strength of this record. It remains a delightful time-capsule, perfect for sunny Sunday mornings. ~ Daryl Easlea, 2009, BBC Review. 

Warner Bros., 7599-23541-2, 1990?
Recorded and Mixed at Sound Labs and Capitol Recording, Hollywood 

Personnel:
Randy Crawford - Vocals
Ernie Watts - Flute, Solo (#B1)
Chuck Findley - Horn
Gary Herbig - Horn
Larry Williams - Horn
Bill Reichenbach Jr. - Horn
Jim Horn - Horn
Leon Pendarvis - Piano, Keyboards, Arranger [Rhythm]
Neil Larsen - Organ (#A2,B3,B5), Keyboards
Dean Parks - Guitar
Robben Ford - Guitar, Guitar [Electric] (#A4)
Steve Lukather - Guitar
Abraham Laboriel, Sr. - Bass
Jeff Porcaro - Drums
Lenny Castro - Percussion
Marti McCall - Vocals [Background]
Petsye Powell - Vocals [Background]
Alfie Silas - Vocals [Background]
Phyllis Saint James - Vocals [Background]
=============================================
Arranger [Strings] - Nick DeCaro (#A1,A3,A4,B1,B2,B4,B5)
Bill Reichenbach - Arranger [Horns] (#A1,B3)
Dale Oehler - Arranger [Strings] (#A2,A5)
Arranger [Horns] - Larry Williams (#B3) 

Tracks:
A1. You Might Need Somebody {Tom Snow, Nan O'Byrne} (4:19)
A2. Rainy Night In Georgia {Tony Joe White} (4:22)
A3. That's How Heartaches Are Made {Ben Raleigh, Bob Halley} (2:57)
A4. Two Lives {Mark Jordan} (3:47)
A5. You Bring The Sun Out {Tom Snow, Jesse Dixon} (3:23)
B1. Rio De Janeiro Blue {Richard Torrance, John Haeny} (4:18)
B2. Secret Combination {Tom Snow, Frannie Golde}  (3:24)
B3. When I Lose My Way {Turley Richards} (3:44)
B4. Time For Love {Leon Russell} (4:15)
B5. Trade Winds {Ralph MacDonald, William Salter} (4:55) 

Total Time: 39:28 

Credits:
Producer - Tommy LiPuma
Recording & Mixing - Al Schmitt
Assistant Engineer - Stewart Whitmore, Don Henderson
Production Coordination - Noel Newbolt
Original Mastering - Mike Reese
CD Remastering - Lee Herschberg
Art Direction - Richard Seireeni
Photography - Phillip Dixon 

Secret Combination on Two Ronnies Show

Patti Austin - Love Is Gonna Getcha (1990)

With apologies to Dianne Reeves, Patti Austin has always quite simply been the best jack-of-all-genre singers on the planet, crossing effortlessly from jazz to pop and R&B with a voice that's so sweet, rich, and lovely, it can't help but warm the heart. On the heels of her 1988 masterpiece The Real Me, her GRP debut packs a wallop of festive up-tempo tunes, lite funk pop, torchy message songs, passionate ballads, and breezy tenderness -- all delivered with a truly Austin-tatious flair. Austin surrounds herself with some of pop jazz's best here, with GRP's 1990 roster well represented: Dave Grusin (whose production is flawless), Don Grusin (with whom she co-wrote the happy "Ooh Wee [The Carnival]"), Deborah Henson-Conant (whose harp adds punch to "In My Dreams"), Lee Ritenour, and Nelson Rangell (whose alto soars on the title cut). But as tantalizing as the music is, it is Austin who gives the collection wings with a powerful voice whose mood she so artfully modulates depending on the feel of the individual tune. Soft and tender on her own composition "In My Life," easy and lilting for "In My Dreams," and full of genuine excitement for "Through the Test of Time" and "Ooh Wee." An added bonus is the Oscar nominated "The Girl Who Used to Be Me," which gives Austin a chance to show her range, even if the tune is a bit schmaltzy. ~ by Jonathan Widran, AMG. 

GRP Records, GRD-9603, 1990
Recorded At Sunset Sound Studios, Hollywood, California 

Personnel:
Patti Austin - Vocals, Backing Vocals, Vocal Arrangements
Dave Grusin - Piano, Synthesizer, Keyboards, Harmonica,
Rhythm & Vocal Arrangements, Vocals [Background]
Nelson Rangell - Alto Saxophone
Ernie Watts - Tenor Saxophone
David Paich - Keyboards, Synthesizer, Arranger
Greg Phillinganes - Piano
Steve Porcaro - Synthesizer
Michael Landau, Lee Ritenour - Guitar
Nathan East, Neil Stubenhaus - Bass
Deborah Henson-Conant - Harp
Harvey Mason - Drums
Paulinho Da Costa, Lenny Castro, Michael Fisher, Jeff Porcaro - Percussion
Robin Beck, Shelton Becton, Jocelyn Brown, Bill Eaton, Lani Groves,
Casey Sissik, James "D-Train" Williams - Vocals [Background] 

Strings:
David Nadien - Concert Master, Violin
Elena Barere, Arnold Eidus, Barry Finclair, Regis Iandiorio, Charles Libove, Louann Montesi, John Pintavalle, Matthew Raimondi, Richard Sortomme, Marti Sweet, Gerald Tarack - Violin
Jean R. Dane, Carol Landon, Sue Pray - Viola
Charles McCracken, Richard Locker - Cello 

Tracks:
01. Through The Test Of Time {David Pack, Jeff Pescetto} (5:07)
02. Too Soon To Know {Lorraine Feather, Michael McDonald, David Pack} (4:23)
03. In My Life {Patti Austin} (4:04)
04. Love Is Gonna Getcha {Lou Pardini, Alan Scott, Reed Vertelney} (5:04)
05. Ooh-Whee [The Carnival] {Patti Austin, Don Grusin} (5:41)
06. Believe The Children {Lyn Laboriel, Lou Pardini, Abraham Laboriel, Sr.} (5:36)
07. Good In Love {Robin Batteau, François Eckart, Jeff Southworth} (4:38)
08. Wait For Me {Don Grusin, Kate Markowitz, Christina Trulio} (5:26)
09. First Time Love {Patti Austin, Dave Grusin, Harvey Mason, Sr.} (5:31)
10. In My Dream {Eddie Arkin, Edward Arkin, Beckie Foster} (5:09)
11. The Girl Who Used To Be Me {Alan & Marilyn Bergman, Marvin Hamlisch} (4:16) 

Total Time: 54:55 

Credits:
Producer, Executive Producer, Liner Notes - Dave Grusin
Executive Producer, Producer - Larry Rosen
Producer - David Paich
Production Coordination - Suzanne Sherman
Production Assistant - Barbara Hein
Engineer - Bill Cooper, Tom Knox, Ed Rak, Bob Schaper
Assistant Engineer, Engineer - Matthew "Boomer" La Monica, Joe Martin, Brian Soucy
Engineer, Mixing - Don Murray
Mixing Assistant - Elaine Anderson
Digital Editing - Mike Landy, Robert Vosgien
Mastering - Wally Traugott
Creative Director - Andy Baltimore
Photography - Richard Corman
Graphic Design - David Gibb, Jacki McCarthy, Andy Ruggirello, Dan Serrano
Liner Notes - Patti Austin

Gene Harris - Alley Cats (1999)

Too many artists have gone their entire careers without providing any live albums, but that hasn't been a problem for Gene Harris whose live recordings from the 1980s and 1990s ranged from unaccompanied solo piano to big-band dates. Arguably, the best live album he gave listeners in the 1990s was Alley Cats; recorded live at Jazz Alley in Seattle on December 11-12, 1998, this CD finds Harris' working quintet (Harris on piano, Frank Potenza on guitar, Luther Hughes on bass, and Paul Kreibich on drums) joined by such accomplished soloists as Red Holloway (tenor sax), Ernie Watts (alto and tenor sax), and Jack McDuff (organ). Many inspired moments occur, and a 65-year-old Harris really goes that extra mile on gems ranging from Nat Adderley's "Jive Samba" and Benny Golson's "Blues March" to Joe Sample's "Put It Where You Want It" (which, in the 1970s, was introduced by the Crusaders before being covered by the Average White Band). A talented but underexposed singer (underexposed in the 1990s, anyway) who has recorded R&B albums but is quite capable of handling jazz, Harris' daughter Niki Harris is featured on earthy performances of "You've Changed," "Please Send Me Someone to Love," and "Guess Who." McDuff, meanwhile, brings his gritty, down-home Hammond B-3 to two songs: Eddie Harris' "Listen Here" and Gene Harris' "Walkin' With Zach." Soul-jazz enthusiasts will definitely want this excellent CD. ~ by Alex Henderson, AMG. 

Concord Jazz, CCD-4859-2, 1999
Recorded 11^th & 12^th December, 1998 Live At Dimitriou's Jazz Alley, Seattle, Washington 

Personnel:
Gene Harris - Piano, Solo (#2)
Ernie Watts - Alto Saxophone (#1,6,7), Tenor Saxophone (#3-5)
Red Holloway - Tenor Saxophone (#1,3,9,10)
Jack McDuff - Organ [Hammond B-3] (#5,10)
Frank Potenza - Guitar (#9)
Luther Hughes - Bass
Paul Kreibich - Drums
Niki Harris - Vocals (#7-9) 

Tracks:
01. Put It Where You Want It {Joe Sample} (5:49)
02. Magic Lady {Joe Sample} (4:17)
03. Blues March {Benny Golson} (11:09)
04. Bird's Idea {Ernie Watts} (4:54)
05. Walkin’ With Zach {Gene Harris} (6:58)
06. Jive Samba {Nat Adderley} (6:03)
07. You've Changed {Bill Carey, Carl Fischer} (6:19)
08. Guess Who {Jesse Belvin, Joanne Belvin} (5:36)
09. Listen Here {Eddie Harris} (11:51)
10. Please Send Me Someone To Love {Percy Mayfield} (5:09) 

Total Time: 68:05 

Credits:
Producer - John Burk
Executive-Producer - Glen Barros
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Phil Edwards
Assistant Engineer - Ryan Kallis
Assembly & Mastering Engineer - Ron Davis
Product Development - Alexis Davis
Production Manager - David Miller
Art Direction - Scott Crawford
Cover Photography - Pam Benham

Gene Harris - Astral Signal (1974)

A well sought out jazz-funk title from blue note. Although most of this album is Gene on his piano, this album brings out Gene's talent with the ARP and Minimoog Synthesizers. One listen to his cover of sly stone's "Don't Call Me Nigger, Whitey" and you'll become a definite believer! Boy, does this cut blaze a trail of hard driving synth funk! The MiniMoog bass line is all over this one, as Gene fills the top off with some squealy ARP Odyssey/Pro soloist overlays. A killer funk ride classic. Then there's "Losalamitoslatinfunklovesong", a buttery smooth, slow grinding funk love jam that will get your juices flowing on the dance floor! The Moog bass kicks up and down, and side to side, while the high synth notes make love to the listeners ear. Great synth playing all around from gene and good background vocals from the session players, too. Also check out the eerie, spacey prelude at the start of the album, it's a sonic statement! ~ fonkay, RYM.

Blue Note, BN-LA313-G, 1974

Blue Note/EMI, TOCJ-50511, 2012

Recorded 13^th August, 1974 At The Village Recorder, Los Angeles, California

Personnel:

Gene Harris - Keyboards, Vocals (#B2), Arranger (#7)

Keg Johnson - Trombone, Background Vocals

George Bohanon - Trombone

Oscar Brashear - Trumpet

Sidney Muldrow - French Horn

Ernie Watts - Reeds

Jerry Peters - Keyboards, Background Vocals

John Rowin - Guitar

David T. Walker - Guitar

Chuck Rainey - Electric Bass

Harvey Mason - Drums, Arranger (#11)

Jim Shifflett - Unknown Instrument

Vocalists:

Annesther

Julia (Tillman) Waters

Luther Waters

Lynn Mack

Maxine (Johnson) Waters

Oren Waters

Trisha Chamberlain

Tracks:

01. Prelude {Gene Harris} (1:41)

02. Summer [The First Time] {Bobby Goldsboro} (3:21)

03. Rebato Summer {Jerry Peters} (0:35)

04. I Remember Summer {Jerry Peters} (2:03)

05. Don't Call Me Nigger, Whitey {Sylvester Stewart} (3:44)

06. Losalamitoslatinfunklovesong {Jerry Peters} (3:10)

07. My Roots {Arr. Gene Harris, J.K. Abernathy} (4:20)

08. Green River {John Fogerty} (3:05)

09. Beginnings {Robert Lamm} (5:54)

10. Feeling You, Feeling Me Too! {Alex Brown, Monk Higgins} (1:59)

11. Higga-Boom {Arr. Harvey Mason, Jerry Peters, Harvey Mason} (6:00)

12. Love Talkin' {Jerry Peters} (4:49)

Credits:

Producer, Recording, Mixing, Mastering Engineer - Jim Shifflett

Producer - Jerry Peters, Keg Johnson

Executive-Producer - George Butler

Recording Engineer - Gilmar Fortis

Mastering Engineer - Bill Lazerus

Production Assistance - Harvey Mason, John Rowin, Charlotte Politte

Art Direction, Cover Illustration - Bob Cato

Photography - Kenny Dorr

This album is a magical balance between psychedelic laid back california inspired acid jazz sounds scapes and the greasy soul of a mid-century (last century) juke joint. A pastiche of professional music with heart and creativity. No other album on blue note or by Harris sounds like this. A fine artistic statement by Harris who seemed to be at his peak in the mid-70s. ~ freqazoidiac, RYM.

Total Time: 40:41

Cannonball & Nat Adderley Sextet - Soul Zodiac (1972) [vinyl>flac]

ASTROLOGY, the study of the signs of the Zodiac. How does one rationalize a development with astrological significance? RICK HOLMES, the creator of the narrative indigenous to the artistic creativeness formed in this recording, is a person whose day-to-day behavioral continuity by his own concepts of the influence of the activities of astrological movement. Mr. Holmes, well known in the greater Los Angeles area, is a radio personality who is recognised by various people who have the privilege of being exposed to "RICK'S FAMILY AFFAIR" aired nightly on radio station KBCA-FM. (One of the most important outlets for Jazz and other musical expression, including sophisticated rhetoric, in Southern California.) Devoted listeners to Rick's program are well aware of his expertise with regards to astrology. This recording marks the first effort to broaden any interested audience or to enhance the awareness with regards to astrology or to enhance the awareness of people to whom the soulful exhortations of Rick have never been available. ~ Cannonball Adderley, Liner Notes.

Capitol Records, SVBB-11025, 1972

Recorded in 1972, Capitol Records Inc.

Personnel:

Rick Holmes - Voice [Narration], Writer

Cannonball Adderley - Alto Sax (#A2), Soprano Sax (#A3)

Nat Adderley - Cornet

Ernie Watts - Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Tambourine

Mike Deasy - Guitar

George Duke - Fender Electric Piano

Walter Booker - String Bass & Guitar

Roy Mac Curdy - Drums

Tracks:

A1. Introduction {Adderley, Holmes} (2:59)

A2. Aries {Adderley, Holmes} (4:51)

A3. Libra {Booker, Holmes} (3:17)

A4. Capricorn {Duke, Holmes} (6:04)

B1. Aquarius {Deasy, Holmes} (7:49)

B2. Pisces {Adderley, Holmes, Watts} (3:51)

B3. Sagittarius {Holmes, McCurdy} (5:14)

C1. Gemini {Adderley, Booker, Holmes, McCurdy} (3:37)

C2. Leo {Adderley, Holmes} (2:54)

C3. Virgo {Deasy, Duke, Holmes} (4:23)

C4. Scorpio {Holmes, Watts} (4:12)

D1. Cancer {Adderley, Booker, Holmes, McCurdy} (2:44)

D2. Taurus {Adderley, Holmes} (13:42)

Credits:

Producer - Cannonball Adderley, David Axelrod

Engineer - Howard Gale

Artwork [Direction] - John Holmes

Photography - Rick Rankin

Photography [Body Painting] - Abe Gurvin

Freddie Hubbard - High Energy (1974) [vinyl>flac]

One of Freddie Hubbard's few decent efforts during his very commercial period with Columbia, this LP found his quintet (with tenor-saxophonist Junior Cook and keyboardist George Cables) joined by a small orchestra and a string section on a set of potentially dismal material. Fortunately these six performances (particularly "Crisis," "Ebony Moonbeams" and Stevie Wonder's "Too High") are given fairly creative treatment. The leader/trumpeter is in good form and there is solo space given to Ernie Watts (on bass flute, soprano and flute) and tenorman Pete Christlieb in addition to the quintet members. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide.

Columbia Records, KC 33048, 1974

Recorded 29^th April-2^nd May, 1974 Live at Sunset Sound Recorders, Hollywood, California

Personnel:

Freddie Hubbard - Trumpet, Flugelhorn

George Bohanon - Trombone

Dick Hyde - Trombone (#B1)

Ernie Watts - Tenor Sax, Bass Flute (#A1), Soprano Sax (#B2), Flute (#B3)

Junior Cook - Tenor Saxophone (#B3), Flute

Pete Christleib - Bass Clarinet (#B2), Tenor Sax (#B3)

George Cables - Electric Piano

Ian Underwood - Synthesizer [Arp]

Joe Sample - Clavinet, Organ

Dean Parks - Guitar

Kent Brinkley - Bass

Ralph Penland - Drums

Harvey Mason - Drums (#A2,B1)

Victor Feldman - Percussion

Carmello Garcia - Timbales

King Errisson - Congas

Jules Chaikin - Contractor [Strings]

Track Listing:

A1. Camel Rise {George Cables} (6:22)

A2. Black Maybe {Stevie Wonder} (4:54)

A3. Baraka Sasa {Freddie Hubbard} (10:26)

B1. Crisis {Freddie Hubbard} (5:42)

B2. Ebony Moonbeams {George Cables} (6:59)

B3. Too High {Stevie Wonder} (6:36)

Credits:

Producer - Paul A. Rothchild

Producer [Assistant] - Mike Levy

Engineer [Recording and Mixing] - Jack Haeny

Engineer [Assistant] - Kent Nebergall

Conductor, Arranger - Dale Oehler

Artwork [Hand-Lettering] - Andy Engel

Design [Cover] - Anne Garner, Ron Coro

Photography - Fred Valentine