Watts, Jeff Tain
Sunnyside, 2004, CD
Instrument: Drums
Issue: 10.2
Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
Performance: 4
Sound: 5
Score: 
O’s Notes: Jeff is typically the man behind the scene, a drummer who says little but makes a huge impact holding the beat together and accentuating the performance. He steps up front on MegaWatts as a leader with bassist Charles Fambrough and pianist Kenny Kirkland filling out the trio. They play nine songs, four penned by Charles, a couple by Jeff and several standards. The energy level is high and the groove is tight. This is a rhythm section that can easily stand on it’s own. This session was recorded in 1991 but is just now being released. Kirkland died in 1998 and this serves as a reminder to his great work. While Watts has shined on other releases, he has the fire here that reestablishes his position as one of today’s premier jazz drummers.