Lewis Watson
(tenor saxophone), Rob Walker (drums) & Paul Edis (keyboards)
(Review by Russell).
Cluny 2, the Cluny Cluny
(Review by Russell).
Watson Walker Edis have kept a low profile since their début performance
at the Jazzathon fund raiser some fifteen months ago at the Lit and Phil.
Indeed their only other outing was at the library in June of this year. They
were two memorable performances and the Cluny
There was a good turn out at
Tenor saxophonist Lewis Watson informed the crowd that the first set
would consist of a suite (the music heard at the Lit and Phil) lasting about
forty five minutes. Those who heard those earlier performances knew they were
in for something special! A series of compositions written by members of the
trio (some co-written) ranged from ballad form to fearsome post Bop sections to
stunning explorations of Coltrane and Ayler.
During the interval many of those
hearing the music for the first time said how impressed they were.
The second
set premièred new material.
Watson’s articulation on tenor, in
whichever register, reaffirmed his position at the top table and pianist Paul
Edis’ left hand more than compensated for the absence of a bass player. Rob
Walker, a listening, sight-reading drummer, contributed effectively throughout.
An indication of just how good Watson Walker Edis are as a unit is the thought
that a dep being drafted in simply wouldn't work. The next time they play a gig
make sure you are there – you won’t regret it.
Russell
3 comments :
As good as Paul is, a great bass player is the primary element required to outline and underpin harmonic structure. No? Listen to some of Bill Evans or Oscar Peterson for example, and hear the difference when the bassist cuts in. A full aural spectrum is much preferred, although the only element that could be left out of an ensemble may be the drummer/percussionist if a famous jazz musician is to be believed - he quipped "it takes a helluva drummer to be better than no drummer at all" You never see a full orchestra without a bass player, but percussionists are at times, very conspicuous by their absence and or sparsity. Just my opinion of course.
Not quite sure where you're coming from here 'Nony'. A bass player does add depth to a combo but, in the absence of one - whether by necessity or choice, a two-handed pianist can do the job. The fact that this is the third gig these guys have done tells me that they are happy with the set-up. As one who knows Lewis Watson's very firm opinions (and Paul's) if they'd wanted a bass player they would have got one!
I was there. I enjoyed it, but a bass player was a BIG miss. As I said in my post - just my opinion.
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