0565 Charlie Watts [Watts At Scott's Disc Two] FLAC 7(1.04.08)

Contributed by delmonico, who writes:-
Drummer Charlie Watts (yes, he of the Rolling Stones) formed his big band back in 1986 and employed the best of the British jazz musicians with no expense spared.  It was somewhat self-indulgent and it emerged that Charlie was really a frustrated jazz drummer but he had the contacts and more importantly, the money, to fulfil his self-indulgence.
The band continued for several years in different formats and toured the States quite successfully. Peter King, the altoist, said that the band enjoyed the trip and the touring in the UK because they always flew first class and stayed in the best hotels. No doubt Charlie's name opened a few doors too.
This two cd package was recorded at Ronnie Scott's during an engagement in 2001 and is a good example of the band's work and repertoire.  Sadly, Charlie is no jazz drummer. His work is pedestrian and whilst he might have found fame with the Stones, I think the message is, 'Don't give up the day job'. To add some colour to his efforts another percussionist had to be added to the group.
But Charlie apart, this is a super group with some fine solos from a group of musicians you might not have thought would be compatible.
FLAC from cds (which are contained in a digipack format not easy to scan) and some details from the pack and photographs from the booklet.

Henry Lowther - trumpet, flugelhorn
Gerard Presencer - trumpet, flugelhorn, fender rhodes
Mark Nightingale - trombone
Peter King - soprano, alto
Evan Parker - soprano, tenor
Julian Argüelles - baritone
Anthony Kerr - vibes
Dave Green - bass
Charlie Watts - drums
Luis Jardim - percussion

01 Sunset And The Mockingbird
02 Little Willie Leaps
03 Airto
04 Chasing Reality
05 Faction & Band Introduction
06 Elvin's Song
07 Take The A Train

Label: Black Box BBJ3000
Recorded: June 12-14 2001
Lineage: CDs>FLAC
Scans: Full

0564 Charlie Watts [Watts At Scott's Disc One] FLAC 8(1.09.02)

Contributed by delmonico, who writes:-
Drummer Charlie Watts (yes, he of the Rolling Stones) formed his big band back in 1986 and employed the best of the British jazz musicians with no expense spared.  It was somewhat self-indulgent and it emerged that Charlie was really a frustrated jazz drummer but he had the contacts and more importantly, the money, to fulfil his self-indulgence.
The band continued for several years in different formats and toured the States quite successfully. Peter King, the altoist, said that the band enjoyed the trip and the touring in the UK because they always flew first class and stayed in the best hotels. No doubt Charlie's name opened a few doors too.
This two cd package was recorded at Ronnie Scott's during an engagement in 2001 and is a good example of the band's work and repertoire.  Sadly, Charlie is no jazz drummer. His work is pedestrian and whilst he might have found fame with the Stones, I think the message is, 'Don't give up the day job'. To add some colour to his efforts another percussionist had to be added to the group.
But Charlie apart, this is a super group with some fine solos from a group of musicians you might not have thought would be compatible.
FLAC from cds (which are contained in a digipack format not easy to scan) and some details from the pack and photographs from the booklet.

Henry Lowther - trumpet, flugelhorn
Gerard Presencer - trumpet, flugelhorn, fender rhodes
Mark Nightingale - trombone
Peter King - soprano, alto
Evan Parker - soprano, tenor
Julian Argüelles - baritone
Anthony Kerr - vibes
Dave Green - bass
Charlie Watts - drums
Luis Jardim - percussion

01 Main Stem
02 Bemsha Swing
03 Anthony's Dice
04 Rool 'em Charlie
05 What's New
06 Body And Soul
07 Here's That Rainy Day
08 Tin Tin Deo

Label: Black Box BBJ3000
Recorded: June 12-14 2001
Lineage: CD>FLAC
Scans: Full

0563 Charlie Watts [From One Charlie] FLAC 7(28.02)

Contributed by azule serape, who writes:-
The Rolling Stones drummer, Charlie Watts, has always been an admirer of Charlie Parker and in 1964 he published a small book called 'Ode To A High Flying Bird' which captured the highs and lows of Bird's life in narrative format and which he also illustrated. He was a budding graphic designer apparently and had hopes of a career in that field.
It was privately published and Watts signed each copy.
He was persuaded to have a second edition published in 1991 and Peter King was invited to provide the music to capture the flavour of Bird's Quintet with Red Rodney and that is what you will hear. One track has added strings.
The package came in a 12" lp size box with the 2nd edition book, the music cd and a large picture of Parker.
There is some fine music here all composed by Peter King, except for the two Bird originals, and played by a fine quintet. The only let down is the drummer himself but as this is a 'vanity' project, it's a small price to pay.
FLAC from cd with cd booklet scans plus scans of the front and back of the small book.

Gerard Presencer - trumpet
Peter King - alto
Brian Lemon - piano
Dave Green - bass
Charlie Watts - drums
plus on 03 only
William Armonn - violin
Vaughn Armonn - violin
Michael Jones - violin
Michael De Saulles - viola
Brian Hawkins - cello
Alan Dalziel - oboe
Chris Hooker - harp

01 Practising, Practising, Just Great
02 Blackbird - White Chicks
03 Bluebird
04 Terra De Pajaro
05 Badseeds - Rye Drinks
06 Relaxin' At Camarillo
07 Going, Going, Going, Gone

Label: UFO Records  UFO 2 CD
Recorded: February 26 27 Strings added March 06 1991
Lineage: CD>FLAC
Scans: Full