[dstack79]

I think he is the epitome of a "bright" sound on tenor

 

[hakukani]

yeah, and he uses too many notes

Ernie Watts is a master, he's it. Bright? maybe, but he sure sounds like Ernie --effing incredible.

 

[Benny]

lovely!

one man's bright is another man's dark. To me, its just a great tenor sound.

 

[gary]

Wow. Now that's tasty. Thanks for the link.
I've always loved Charlie's concept of Quartet West and their film score projects.

BTW, heh, heh. Eat your hearts out. German TV, what can I say.
That's from the jazzbaltica yearly festival and it's just outstanding. If anyone gets a chance to attend it's worth it. Programs from this festival are shown regularly on late-night TV and I've yet to see one that wasn't top caliber.

 

[Frank D]

Oh man, thank you Doug! I had forgotten how great a player Ernie is. He does have a unique sound. The only way I can describe the core is "nasal", which is not meant as a slam. If you listen towards the end when he's playing near the bottom of the horn, you can hear the warm round quality of his sound. I loved the quote from Summertime that he subtly snuck in around 2:35.

And don't forget, he also has one of the best commands of the altissimo in the business. Scuse me, I have to go dig out my Ernie Watts CDs.

 

[Swingtone]

I was thinking of selling my JK SX90R (what he appears to be playing here), but after watching that clip, I don't know.... But does anyone know what brand and model of mouthpiece he's using on that one?

 

[hakukani]

I was thinking of selling my JK SX90R (what he appears to be playing here), but after watching that clip, I don't know.... But does anyone know what brand and model of mouthpiece he's using on that one?

Ernie was playing a JK when I saw him last year. I think he was playing a Barone with some insanely huge tip.

 

[gary]

Ernie was playing a JK when I saw him last year. I think he was playing a Barone with some insanely huge tip.

He gives workshops here every few years and they're usually sponsored by JK.

From Ernie's web page:
Julius Keilwerth SX 90R
Black Gold Finish
Mouthpiece: Otto Link #13
Ligature: Rico Olegature
Reeds: Fibercane #2

 

[hakukani]

Here's Ernie's equipment list, from his website:
ALTO:
Julius Keilwerth SX 90R
Black Gold Finish
Mouthpiece: Phil Barone #8 Metal
Reeds: Rico Select Jazz #3 Soft Filed
Ligature: Rico Olegature

edit: gary's too fast with the search button...I'll leave the alto setup

 

[Martinman]

I thought he played a Link that Phil opened to 160.

 

[gary]

Hakukani - revised his post. This one is not necessary.

 

[kevvieg]

He is indeed playing a Link that Phil modified. I read in a sax journal that someone from Babbitt made him the big Link (Ben Harrod??? That name rings a bell). Then Phil put in the wedge and fixed all the dimensional fiddly-bits.

 

[dstack79]

Oh man, thank you Doug! I had forgotten how great a player Ernie is. He does have a unique sound. The only way I can describe the core is "nasal", which is not meant as a slam. If you listen towards the end when he's playing near the bottom of the horn, you can hear the warm round quality of his sound.
.

Doug???! You're welcome.

-Dan

 

[bobsax]

Ernie plays great on this one with Pete Christlieb and Ricky Woodard.

http://www.samgoody.com/Tenor-Trio-Front-Page_stcVVproductId6094922VVcatId463278VVviewprod.htm

every time Ernie plays there is no doubt who's playing. It's not just his sound that's so unique. His whole approach is very original.

 

[Tim Price]

He is indeed playing a Link that Phil modified. I read in a sax journal that someone from Babbitt made him the big Link (Ben Harrod??? That name rings a bell). Then Phil put in the wedge and fixed all the dimensional fiddly-bits.

Kev- NO- not really, with all due respect.

That Sax Journal article I did in 1989, Vol 14 #1.
It is a Ben Harrad link- and Ernie put " sculpe" in there which is a modeling clay and then baked it hard- then glued it in- HIMSELF. That wedge was a homemade wedge. You mis-read the article, no big deal but that is a 160 built by Ben Harrad. No big thang- just I did that article and that WAS what is there.

Thanks.

 

[Tim Price]

I think he is the epitome of a "bright" sound on tenor

One of the best tenor sounds ever- and a true improvisor. You can hear the soul and life in his art.

 

[Frank D]

Doug???! You're welcome.

-Dan

Oops, sorry, my bad Thanks again for the great clip.

 

[kevvieg]

Sorry Tim,

I think I read that article close to 20 years ago and I thought I remembered ben Harrad and Phil both being mentioned. I'm about to turn 40 and the brain cells start to go

Peace
K

Kev- NO- not really, with all due respect.

That Sax Journal article I did in 1989, Vol 14 #1.
It is a Ben Harrad link- and Ernie put " sculpe" in there which is a modeling clay and then baked it hard- then glued it in- HIMSELF. That wedge was a homemade wedge. You mis-read the article, no big deal but that is a 160 built by Ben Harrad. No big thang- just I did that article and that WAS what is there.

Thanks.

 

[saxobari]

Just beautifull,thanks for sharing!
All the best
Saxobari

 

[LampLight]

What a treat! Thanks for the link.