26 Jan
Brothers by Ken Watters & Harry Watters
- Written by Jeff Bordes
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Raised in Huntsville, Alabama, brothers Ken and Harry Watters grew up playing music together. After attending college at North Texas State University they went their separate ways. Separated by hundreds of miles and in different musical cultures, they each adapted differently. Ken, who moved to New York City to attend school at Manhattan School of Music, developed into a fine post-bop trumpeter winning First Place at the International Trumpet Guild Jazz Improvisation Competition. Harry took the traditional jazz route moving to New Orleans where he joined (and later led) the Dukes of Dixieland. This release marks their first recording together and perhaps a homecoming for each other. With a stellar New York City rhythm section (see Kenny Werner's CD review in our February archives and Scott Colley's CD review in our January archives of Bayjazz.com), and a selection of standards and originals, this stands up to be a strong outing. Coming from different styles, the two blend together nicely. On the classic "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You," Harry beautifully takes the melody in prime Tommy Dorsey fashion. Both brothers get to show off their chops a bit in the upbeat standard "Autumn Leaves." Here their love for music is really evident. After both playing the melody in their own special ways, Ken plays a moving solo, which gradually builds to a nice climax. After Werner's swinging solo, the rhythm section drops out for Ken and Harry's melody/improvised duet which serves as a proper lead in to Harry's fiery solo. This track is a great summary for the recording: two talented brothers playing music for the love of it. Brothers proves to be a great collage of styles and beautiful music.
Additional Info
- Artist / Group Name: Ken Watters & Harry Watters
- CD Title: Brothers
- Genre: Straight-Ahead / Classic
- Year Released: 1999
- Record Label: Summit Records
- Musicians: Ken Watters, trumpet; Harry Watters, trombone; Kenny Werner, piano; Scott Colley, bass; Scott Neumann, drums.
- Label Website: http://www.summitrecords.com
- Rating: Five Stars
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Straight-Ahead / Classic - CD Reviews
