Jeff “Tain” Watts Quintet: Detained at the Blue Note (2004)

Drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts leads his quintet plus guest altoist Kenny Garrett through extended versions of four of his originals (all of which he had recorded previously in the studio) plus Bjцrk's "107 Steps." While "107 Steps" and "JC Is the Man" (which is more Thelonious Monk than John Coltrane) are fine, it is not until Garrett makes his first appearance on "Mr. JJ" (which is more Coltrane than J.J. Johnson) that this set really explodes. Garrett's passion inspires Watts during their midsong duet and adds a great deal of energy during the three songs on which he appears, completely stealing the show. Watts takes a surprise vocal on "Like the Rose" and plays with intensity throughout the performance, but it is Kenny Garrett who makes the music something special; it is a pity that he is not on the first two numbers. ~ Scott Yanow

Tracklist
1. 107 Steps – Jeff “Tain” Watts, Bjork 13:47
2. JC Is the Man 10:56
3. Mr. JJ 11:54
4. Sigmund Groid 19:03
5. Like the Rose 15:10
Personel
Jeff “Tain” Watts – drums;
Kenny Garrett – alto saxophone;
Dave Kikoski – piano;
Eric Revis – bass;
David Gilmor – guitar;
Marcus Strickland – tenor saxophone
Detained at the Blue Note
Hotfile / Depositfiles @ 320K

Branford Marsalis Quartet: Braggtown (2006) [remastered] mp3 @ 320K

Saxophonist Branford Marsalis' Braggtown finds the ever-evolving tenor man in a more action-oriented state of mind than his contemplative 2004 release Eternal. Having tackled the gigantically epic task of reworking John Coltrane's most well-known opus "A Love Supreme" on Footsteps of Our Fathers in 2002, it should come as no surprise that the Coltrane sound still lingers palpably over all the music on Braggtown. But rather than imitating or aping Coltrane's style, Marsalis has ingested the legendary innovator's concepts, utilizing them in his own unique way. Working once again with his stellar rhythm section of pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis, and longtime partner in "time" drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts, Marsalis has come up with a collection of original songs perfectly suited for the muscular and sensitive group interplay this ensemble excels at. To these ends, "Jack Baker" is a funky and angular call to arms with Marsalis inverting a repeated theme as the band roils around him. Quickly changing gears, Marsalis moves to his trademark soprano for the gorgeously plaintive Calderazzo ballad "Hope." The noirish, dramatic "Blakzilla" features a bawdy and moody rubato opening that soon descends to a hyperkinetic bluesy mid-section. Interestingly, recalling his superb classical album Creation, Marsalis has re-purposed Henry Purcell's stately and sad ballad "O Solitude" here as well. The other tracks on Braggtown are equally engaging and, as evidenced by the fiery, avant-garde burn out closer "Black Elk Speaks," speak to Marsalis' abundant creative energy. (169MB)