Manhattan Wildlife Refuge

Bill Watrous - Manhattan Wildlife Refuge

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Category: Music CD
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CD Details

Artist: Bill Watrous
Edition: Music CD
CD Release Date: 2007-08-28
Music Label: Wounded Bird Records
Soundtracks:

Spain
Sho
Dichotomy
Zip City
Fourth Floor Walk-Up
Dee Dee
Ayo

Music reviews of Manhattan Wildlife Refuge

Music Review: Exceptional Big Band and Tombonist from 1974
Rating: 5 Stars

A few months ago, my trombone teacher recommended that I check out Bill Watrous who he described as one of the most technically amazing trombonists of all time. I was already a lover of Big Band music by the likes of Duke Ellington and Count Bassie and also owned some J.J. Johnson and Kai Winding CDs. So, I immediately liked the music on both this album from 1974 and the sequel from the following year, "The Tiger of San Pedro", both of which feature a big band lead by Watrous. But his big band has a much more modern sound than the Big Bands of the Swing Era (due in part to the use of some electric keyboards, synthesizers, and guitars). Both albums are exceptional.

Watrous is indeed a master technician of the trombone. He can play very fast and high while hitting every note perfectly and maintaining a sweet, round sound. It's hard enough to get a good sound on the trombone when playing at more moderate tempos in the lower and middle registers; Watrous makes the upper register sound easy. For him, it apparently is. My teacher has mentioned that Watrous practiced 6 hours a day and also worked out a lot to boost his lung capacity.

The band plays the fresh arrangements with great precision and cohesion througout the CD. Of course, Watrous is not the only soloist in his band. Trumpeter Danny Stiles gets the spotlight often and various other musicians are also featured. One other interesting thing about both this album and "Manhattan Wildlife Refuge" is that most of the saxophonists also play flute on some tracks.

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