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Avg: 4.0 (27 ratings)
- Date Released: February 19, 2008
- Genre: Jazz
- Style: Jazz/Blues
- Label: Palmetto / Iris
Gutsy bandleader lets loose with a cast of little-known but impassioned players.
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We Say...
It took chutzpah for alto saxophonist Bobby Watson to liken both From the Heart and his band Live & Learn to the storied tradition of Art Blakey’s mentorship of young hard bop talent in the Jazz Messengers — and then musically justify the comparison. With Live & Learn as with his previous band Horizon, Watson features effervescent, driving grooves, original material from various band members, and the heartening frisson of seasoned vets (like himself and bassist Curtis Lundy) with unheralded but capable young guns.
“Wilkes BBQ” continues his delightful penchant for leading things off with a zesty and arresting new tune. Lundy contributes a hip-lifting bass line, drummer Quincy Davis provides the snappy-slappy riposte, and then the catchy melody takes hold. Other highlights include “Deep Pockets,” where pianist Harold O’Neal referees torrid exchanges between Davis and trumpeter Leron Thomas, then Watson; a title track with the sort of durable groove and tear-a-hunk solos reminiscent of Blakey’s classic Jazz Messengers discs on Blue Note; and the closer, “Marcus Vein,” that gives everyone a chance to let off steam. Last but not least, don’t sleep on secret weapon Warren Wolf on vibes, who is unlike Steve Nelson and other modern mallet men in that Wolf is more percussive than diaphanous. His “For Milt” is a loving tribute to Milt Jackson, replete with Jackson’s signature traits, such as the lingering resonance of the notes combined with stealthy-quick phrasing. -
They Say...
Bobby Watson credits Art Blakey with showing him the ropes through the apprentice system, which included recruiting up-and-coming musicians, giving them advice, plus encouraging the younger players to write charts and originals for the band. Watson's Live & Learn band is such a format, a successor to his earlier on-again, off-again Horizon, with one former member back in the fold in bassist Curtis Lundy. The alto saxophonist has changed the format slightly, expanding his quintet to add vibes, played ably by Warren Wolf, with pianist Harold O'Neal, trumpeter Leron Thomas, and drummer Quincy Davis all showing promising signs of players who are likely to make lasting impressions on the jazz scene. Watson contributed six originals, including the hip, tasty riff tune "Wilkes BBQ," the perky "Deep Pockets," and the humorous Latin-flavored post-bop "Aye Caramba." O'Neal contributed the richly textured ballad "Purple Flowers" and the intricate "Timeless," while Wolf penned the lush "For Milt" (which is likely for the late vibraphonist Milt Jackson). Thomas' "Marcus Vein" provides an intense cooker to wrap this outstanding session.
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| 01. |  |
Wilkes BBQ |
6:37 |
|
| 02. | |
Purple Flowers |
7:28 |
|
| 03. | |
Deep Pockets |
7:26 |
|
| 04. | |
Climbing The Stairs |
5:58 |
|
| 05. | |
Aye Carumba |
6:45 |
|
| 06. | |
For Milt |
4:17 |
|
| 07. | |
Peace, Love, and Carrots |
5:02 |
|
| 08. | |
Del Corazón |
4:35 |
|
| 09. | |
Timeless |
5:01 |
|
| 10. | |
From The Heart |
4:22 |
|
| 11. | |
Marcus Vein |
3:51 |
|
11 Total Tracks, 61:22 Total Length
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Credits
- Matt Balitsaris - Producer // Matt Balitsaris - Producer // Matt Balitsaris - Audio Production // Matt Balitsaris - Audio Production // Curtis Lundy - Bass // Curtis Lundy - Guitar (Bass) // A.T. Michael MacDonald - Mastering // Quincy Davis - Drums // Bobby Ray Watson - Sax (Alto) // Bobby Ray Watson - Liner Notes // Harold O'Neal - Piano // Terry Coen - A&R // Pat Rustici - Associate Producer // Leron Thomas - Trumpet // Warren Wolf - Piano
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Other Details
- Instrument:
- Sax (Alto)
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