Doug Watkins only recorded a couple of sessions as a leader. One was recorded in 1956 for the Transition label called ”Watkins at Large’” and the other one is the album I’m displaying here, recorded in 1960. It could possibly have been more, but he died young at the age of just 27 in a car accident. Despite dying so young he appeared on a lot of albums as a side man. One of my favorite jazz albums, ”Candy” by Lee Morgan, is one of them.
This album has got a really nice feel to it. It feels quite special and very cohesive. Much has to do with the kind of instruments being prominently featured on this record. Like the cello, which Watkins plays exclusively here. And the flute and oboe, played by master musician Yusef Lateef. The flute as an instrument in jazz has massively grown on me lately. Much thanks to cats like Eric Dolphy and Lateef who both excel on this instrument. I didn’t care for it particularly much before I heard what can be done on it, by the before named cats. The rarely used cello is a nice instrument in jazz as well and Doug Watkins is playing it very nice indeed. Hard to believe he only started to play it three days before the recording session, according to what I’ve read. Another cat who brings the cello to great heights in jazz is Ron Carter who plays it on Dolphy´s “Out There” (also on New Jazz) session for example. I’d say; more cello in jazz please.
Favorite tune is the 1st track on Side 2 “Andre’s Bag”, which has a superb melody that sways you along. You sink into the music and quickly realize how wonderfully different jazz can sound, with the right cats playing the right instruments. The cast of this show is Watkins on cello, Lateef on flute & oboe, Hugh Lawson on piano, Herman Wright on bass and Lex Humphries on drums. Humphries is playing it cool with such a nice, light touch and feeling on this album. A great drummer with a great sound indeed.
Yusef Lateef is a cat I really have been enjoying the last year or so. He has released some truly great stuff. I’ve been close in securing a few of his titles as a leader but it hasn’t happened yet. But I’m looking forward to acquiring a number of his albums. He has a unique sound and approach to jazz.
The New Jazz label has got a wonderful catalogue to explore. I’d urge anyone who hasn’t explored the label to do so. I’m only starting to explore it in depth, even though I have of course listened to a number of titles and own a few titles since earlier.
Some questions for my readers: Your top 5 New Jazz releases? What’s your take on the cello, flute and oboe featuring in a jazz setting?
I have a few days off from work now and I will just relax with the family and hopefully get a few listening sessions in. I’m hoping everyone is staying safe and healthy. Enjoy your collections folks. Stay tuned for more original 1st pressings from the classic era of jazz. Cheers!