Ernie Watts performs at Blues Alley with the Alan Baylock Orchestra on Wednesday. Courtesy livinglegendsmusic.com
by Giovanni Russonello
Editorial board
Listen to Ernie Watts for a minute, and you might get the feeling that he can be slotted into a rather neat category. It’s the clear, gleaming tone, the tumbling swing feel, the awe he engenders in younger jazz musicians, the confidence without swagger of a man who’s been putting his passions into practice for over four decades. But Watts isn’t your stock hard-bop stalwart. The Virginia native’s résumé encompasses work with orchestral arranger Oliver Nelson, prog-rock pioneer Frank Zappa, bop alto saxophonist Cannonball Adderley, fusion icon Stanley Clarke, and experimental bassist and composer Charlie Haden. On his solo projects, Watts made use of his curious ear, making music that ranged from straight-ahead to funk fusion. Traces of his abiding love for John Coltrane runs through it all.
Watts appears on Wednesday at Blues Alley with the Alan Baylock Orchestra, and we’re giving away two tickets. Baylock is the chief arranger for the Airmen of Note, the U.S. Air Force’s big band; performing with him will be a thrill for Watts, who played early in his career with Buddy Rich’s big band. To be entered to win a pair of tickets, all you’ve got to do is “like” or “share” our post on Facebook by clicking below. A winner will be selected at 2 p.m. tomorrow. Best of luck! 
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