Charlie Watts
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Those fans with more than a passing knowledge of the Rolling Stones will be aware of drummer Charlie Watts' longtime interest in traditional jazz. Some might even be aware that Watts has assembled and fronted a British big band, and has also led a solid jazz quintet with several CDs to its credit. Still, it comes as something of a surprise initially that Watts would produce what appears to be a solo drum CD, with song titles named after various jazz master drummers -- "Max Roach," "Art Blakey," "Shelley Manne," and so on. Superficially, this might suggest an ego trip for Watts wherein he sets out to demonstrate his dazzling technique and versatility, but Watts' characteristic modesty would never allow him to attempt such a thing. Instead, what he has done -- with the assistance of drummer, producer, and idea man Keltner -- is to distill some sort of personal essence of each of the nine drummers featured on this CD, and then put together what amounts to a series of musical portraits. So, for example, the Art Blakey piece is very African and tribal, with plenty of tom-toms, emphasizing that aspect of Blakey's playing. And Airto's piece, of course, uses a samba rhythm, supplementary congas, and a bandolean for added ethnic flavor. Other interpretations are a little less obvious, and perhaps more subjective. Kenny Clarke's piece, for example (Clarke being the elegant longtime drummer with the Modern Jazz Quartet), uses violins, oud, and tar, and has a decidedly Middle Eastern cast -- even though Clarke has no obvious connections with the Middle East. The Billy Higgins and Max Roach selections make creative use of samples and have a techno element, although the Roach piece also includes some very good traditional jazz piano as well. And the Tony Williams selection is a somber dirge, and less an interpretation of Williams' nimble percussive style than a moving memorial to his unexpected death. Throughout, Watts weighs in with his customary tasteful, rock-solid beats, and Keltner (along with other musical guests) sees to it that the program is diverse and entertaining. This is an unusual "one-of" project, but it is a highly successful one. Bill Tilland, All Music Guide Tracks:
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