Showing posts with label Ian Underwood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ian Underwood. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

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

Saturday, March 28, 2015

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 29th April-2nd 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