Ernie Watts. A Melodic Approach to Improvisation.

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ก.พ. 2012
  • Ernie Watts (saxophone) - www.erniewatts.com
    Frank Potenza (guitar) - www.frankpotenza.com
    JEN Conference 2012
    Louisville, KY
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ความคิดเห็น • 138

  • @SlikkTim
    @SlikkTim 11 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    "Everybody's healthy, running, quit smoking, quit eating meat... but nobody watches the garbage they let into their mind: what you think is what you are ! DONT LISTEN TO CRAP ! ".hella deep ! Ernie Watts dropping so much wisdom.

  • @timtully8015
    @timtully8015 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    "All freedom comes from discipline." Beautiful.

  • @pfalcon626
    @pfalcon626 8 ปีที่แล้ว +42

    I had the honor of sitting next to him and his wife on a transatlantic flight in 2015...It changed my life. They were the nicest and most gracious people. I had a chance to pick Mr. Watts' brain and never once was he anything but a wealth of knowledge willing to share and such a classy human. I'm glad I found this, and thanks for posting...

  • @dactal4444
    @dactal4444 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Finally someone who says they don't tongue all the notes when playing fast. Great stuff

  • @DV-mq5fv
    @DV-mq5fv 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Berklee professor Phil Wilson recommend Ernie when he was a student at Berklee to Buddy Rich. The rest is history.

  • @march2324
    @march2324 11 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Wow. It honors me to be able to say that I was in this very clinic. Ernie Watts is one of the greatest.

  • @SlikkTim
    @SlikkTim 11 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    "Everybody's healthy, running, quit smoking, quit eating meat... but nobody watches the garbage they let into their mind: what you think is what you are ! DONT LISTEN TO CRAP ! ". Done watchin' this with my man Vince Thekal, hella deep ! Ernie Watts dropping so much wisdom.

  • @bryantjackson7450
    @bryantjackson7450 11 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    the way he plays rhythm changes he has so much freedom.

  • @ItalianDaves
    @ItalianDaves 11 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    "You surround yourself with greatness, by creating an environment for yourself that is great. What you believe is what you create".

  • @shaggybreeks
    @shaggybreeks 10 ปีที่แล้ว +16


    "Everybody's healthy, running, quit smoking, quit eating meat... but nobody watches the garbage they let into their mind: what you think is what you are ! DONT LISTEN TO CRAP ! ".
    This is the 1st aspect of the Buddhist Eightfold Path: Right View (don't listen to crap). It applies to all sorts of things. Especially politics.

  • @craighume2182
    @craighume2182 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Super player and a classy guy too. Love his playing - in particular, his playing with Lee Rit on the Coconut Grove show from many years back.

  • @TonyAguirreJazz
    @TonyAguirreJazz 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I saw Ernie live in SF in the early 90’s and teared up during one of his Alto solos. Love this guy for all he’s done

  • @zokimirchovski2968
    @zokimirchovski2968 8 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    wish I had a teacher like you,Mr.Watts,you're AMAZING

  • @JohnPaulRiger
    @JohnPaulRiger 10 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I pay close attention to my very first waking thoughts every single morning before my eyes open or my head leaves the pillow. Just now it was that you, Libby and I were hanging out. Chris, Bobby and Thomas were here too at our place and we were all laughing, laughing and reminiscing, going through old photos together. I wish I could wake to this type of energy everyday. You have such a beautiful energy Ernie. Thank you so much...

  • @unready56
    @unready56 11 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The clarity with which this man expresses his thoughts is on par with his playing. Superb.

  • @horstlippitsch
    @horstlippitsch 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Ernie Watts "The living legend"!!!

  • @insite2life
    @insite2life 11 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I hate to say this but it doesn't matter what he put in his mouth...it didn't help him get to his skill level of play, only practice and God's grace can do that! Ernie thank you for helping me to see how much more I have to learn and Practice!!!

  • @henrygarciga
    @henrygarciga 8 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Ernie always gives you an exhilarating straight ahead confidence of playing that far exceeds his stellar sideman roles. His most lyrical solo for me is on the Lee Ritenour album Captain Fingers. He breathes a fire into that sax to make a juke joint jump.

  • @luksaxtenor
    @luksaxtenor 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    THANK YOU so much Ernie Watts!

  • @SaxyRedd77
    @SaxyRedd77 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Fantastic! I really like the way Ernie puts things. Thanks for posting.

  • @mboia
    @mboia 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks for posting! Incredible guy!

  • @iskrim
    @iskrim 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great man! Great musician! Great saxophonist !!! Thanks E.W.

  • @IndraAziz
    @IndraAziz 10 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you Samir for this video. Wonderful man Ernie Watts.

  • @jacquelamontharenberg
    @jacquelamontharenberg 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great player and teacher. Learning all the time....thank you...

  • @teddypantelas
    @teddypantelas 9 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    this man is truly inspiring with a tone that doesn't quit. thanks for posting.

  • @Trueno33
    @Trueno33 10 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    wow, awesome! thank you so much for sharing this one

  • @arpysax
    @arpysax 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    one of my favorite saxophone player
    !!

  • @stormdawg
    @stormdawg 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    A wealth of great advice. Right on, Ernie!

  • @PhrygianPhrog
    @PhrygianPhrog 9 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Total master of the sax

  • @Handle2point0
    @Handle2point0 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    "oooh, background music.. You are about to experience.." LOL I laughed so hard.

  • @chikomalo1976
    @chikomalo1976 10 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I saw your live performance in Jakarta some time ago, It was great.. and thanks for signing my tenor Ernie.. :-)

  • @CrossBonesAlex
    @CrossBonesAlex 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for this gem of education

  • @albertnemiroff1502
    @albertnemiroff1502 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you. Life lessons.

  • @Project41Band
    @Project41Band 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You've been blessed with some great musicians to play with there, Ernie. Stories are great here. Horn sounds even better.

  • @JiveDadson
    @JiveDadson 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I'm with the Pompano Beach mouthpiece guy. A tip opening of 150 mils is batshit insane.

  • @gohuskies583
    @gohuskies583 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Ernie Watts, the Master........what more can you say?

  • @Merf1195
    @Merf1195 10 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Ernie is one smooth cat, love his sound, I don't know how he does it

  • @zu0832
    @zu0832 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for posting!

  • @joeschmo1332
    @joeschmo1332 10 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Wow Ernie Watts what a Player!! just love his playing.

  • @rorysly906
    @rorysly906 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    So clean

  • @jcfernandez7
    @jcfernandez7 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow great job...

  • @TheFunkyKingston
    @TheFunkyKingston 11 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I wish i hadn't studied business crap and economics in college...damn that hurts me still.Great masterclass.

    • @MarkInLA
      @MarkInLA 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You mean, as you cry all the way to the bank ?

  • @zelenovicb
    @zelenovicb 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Gerat video, thanks!
    Mr. Watts had a concert a few years ago in Belgrade, Serbia with Charlie Haden's Quartet West, and he was brilliant! After one of more brilliant solos he did (think it was lonely woman, but not sure) CH said: If I could play like that I would shut up for months ;)
    Thanks again!

  • @saxfish
    @saxfish 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great Schooling, Thanks!

  • @Project41Band
    @Project41Band 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I need to find out about the altered scale. Thanks again, Ernie. Wow

  • @ogatoulas
    @ogatoulas 9 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    It was an interesting speech but I missed the part of the melodic approach to improvisation.

    • @MuriMorello
      @MuriMorello 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      +ogatoulas he started with it

  • @HUM1BRTO
    @HUM1BRTO 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    muito bom brigado...

  • @carelabels5753
    @carelabels5753 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    11:23 Love peace and read!

  • @trobson9952
    @trobson9952 ปีที่แล้ว

    Heres a case of alot of notes not just being hip or cool , their inside and great. Thanks EW.

  • @pelonsax
    @pelonsax 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    DOWN IN FRONT!!!!

  • @user-ro9uy5ey7g
    @user-ro9uy5ey7g 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Це клас мастер клас!

  • @Project41Band
    @Project41Band 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've been to the Baked Potatoe!! Across from Universal Studios. I LOVE that club, man! Ha, you musta had a good time there. Good talk.

  • @SamirKambarov
    @SamirKambarov  11 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've been there but couldn't record it. Can post Peter Eldridge's session "Concepts in Song Writing" though. It's from the same conference.

  • @blahdeblah1975
    @blahdeblah1975 9 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Some One also said, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he..."

    • @Birdland-tz6bz
      @Birdland-tz6bz 8 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      blah deBlah , Proverbs 23:7 :).

  • @paulalexander3540
    @paulalexander3540 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    play it by ear, no musical notes to read, is the best approach to jazz improvisation.

  • @arpysax
    @arpysax 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    Those 23 guys(Kenny G bitches) witch didn t like this video please do not come here and try to put down a true master of music and saxophone !!THIS IS ART AND THE PRESENT HISTORY!!!!

  • @charleswinokoor6023
    @charleswinokoor6023 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    “Clarity of articulation.”
    Snippet of “I Dream of Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair” while trading fours on the Bird song.

  • @MattLawton
    @MattLawton 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Does anyone have any footage from the Victor Wooten session he talks about at 40:00 ?

  • @cmelodysax
    @cmelodysax 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Nicholas - nah, Gerald Albright does the "Ernie Watts Leg Lift" - Ernie was wowing 'em whilst Gerald was still in kindergarten ;-)

  • @glen6945
    @glen6945 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    ace

  • @jazznpraise
    @jazznpraise 10 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I'd like to know the title of the first piece they did after the introduction. Sounds like a standard but I'm not sure.
    Thank

    • @SamirKambarov
      @SamirKambarov  10 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Footprints by Wayne Shorter.

  • @rafael_lc
    @rafael_lc 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Uooouuuww

  • @SAX-cl6lk
    @SAX-cl6lk 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    What is the thing that he puts in his mouth when he plays?

  • @janetremsing6988
    @janetremsing6988 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    👍🙂Total mutant-beast!!

  • @saxfish
    @saxfish 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great Clinic. Love E W...and yes...what was that in his mouth ? Something for the teeth? I feel my teeth jutting out from years of playing. Or,...is it my imagination ?

  • @melodistman
    @melodistman 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    OMG . . .

  • @pallhe
    @pallhe 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    What's the name of the first song they play?

  • @ogdenphotographics
    @ogdenphotographics 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Erniie Watts .. WAY before Brecker! I remember him as the solo tenor on the Tonight show band. No offense to Mike B who obviously was a giant….but I never hear tenors of that generation give credit who helped develop this sound and approach to harmony and articulation and altissimo. Here is a great example of ALL the concepts, approaches that was mimicked by Berg, Brecker, on and on

  • @voodoochili12
    @voodoochili12 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    does anyone know what that thing he's blowing into and making sounds is called? cool video

    • @markbra
      @markbra 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      ?????

  • @yutub8712
    @yutub8712 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    dang!!! closed my eyes and thought i was listening to Sanborn.

    • @vladimirlopez7840
      @vladimirlopez7840 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yu Tub lol not even close. Not even the same instrument.

  • @kfdisawesome
    @kfdisawesome 9 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    is the guitar player practicing his scales or something while Ernie is talking?

  • @QuincyFuLo
    @QuincyFuLo 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    What tune do they play at the beginning?

  • @clix089
    @clix089 10 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    How did I guess that the freebie would be something with Coltrane on it, and that he would be Ernie's first major influence?

  • @Samyham007
    @Samyham007 10 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    can you tell us who is that guitar player please ? he is very very efficient ! Thank you!

    • @SamirKambarov
      @SamirKambarov  10 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sorry, I missed his name. He is great!

    • @joseph4756
      @joseph4756 10 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Capri recording artist and educator Frank Potenza is a protege of the late, great Joe Pass and an active composer and performer with nine solo albums to his credit.

    • @joseph4756
      @joseph4756 10 ปีที่แล้ว

      Samir Kambarov
      Frank Potenza

    • @Jazzblade1977
      @Jazzblade1977 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      You can hear the Joe Pass in there... Although I might like him better. He plays less busy then Joe, with more feel. Don't get me wrong I like Joe, but after a while it starts to annoy me that he has to fill EVERYTHING (Virtuoso Series). Like in "Dude take a breath every once in a while". Frank seems a bit more laid back.

  • @Project41Band
    @Project41Band 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    25:30, confused, thought of Edgar Cayce, serial killer???NONO, the psychic guy, yeah. But can you get a book without reading it? I don't know. I'm loving this Jazz Education Network. I wish I had gone to college for music, not psychology. Great talk!

  • @lottierose8668
    @lottierose8668 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    reference 36 neck on his sx 90

  • @radiokid2
    @radiokid2 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    The alt.scale for dom 7ths is simple...just play on a minor scale (with a raised 6h and 7th) over a dominant chord one half-step LOWER.... ie: play on an A flat minor scale over a G7th. Or: on Db minor scale over a C7th. Here's the You Tube code with a tutorial...just paste it in the mini-strip at the top of any YT page, watch?v=fAzwviInwoU

    • @MarkInLA
      @MarkInLA 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      It's called super locrian: Ab melodic minor begining on its 7th, G,...over a G7...

    • @obergssin
      @obergssin 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Here’s how I easily remember it ... A7 altered ... Play the major scale half tone below but leave out the root (A flat) ...

  • @EMasteringIICargeJr2
    @EMasteringIICargeJr2 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    To por essas, por enquanto.............. O resto a gente vee depois.......... Meu lance eh Musica nao GUERRAS !!

  • @ItalianDaves
    @ItalianDaves 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    42:50

  • @Project41Band
    @Project41Band 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    20:08 Joe Henderson huh. Yup.

  • @aurematic
    @aurematic 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I got a question: the guy at the bottom, Is he a mannequin?

  • @MarkInLA
    @MarkInLA 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I've always wished people would not clap after solos /during number. Why ? It both interrupts the flow of the piece as if it's not as sacred, not as important as classical music where people clap only after each movement or at the end..Plus, to me, it gives the performance a feeling of being a contest, a sports competition. The whole musical statement should not include clapping in it. I know I'm nearly alone here. So don't bother dissing me over it. I know you're there. I know you're in the majority. And I know I'll never persevere in this wish. I would, though, like to hear from those who do happen TO agree with me, If there are any at all...
    M, Los Angeles

    • @jazzman_10
      @jazzman_10 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      As a general rule Europeans in general will not applaud until the song finishes, I guess this comes from listening to opera and classical music, nobody would dare to clap unless it's over.
      Nevertheless US influence and traveling is starting to change things but I agree with you, silence let's the artist connect with the muses and amazing stuff starts to flow...

    • @felixhoezen3935
      @felixhoezen3935 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The absence of clapping and reacting to the music in classical music concerts only dates back to an absurd concert tradition in the nineteenth century. They don't even clap in between movements, only at the end of the work. I think in live situations, jazz, classical or whatever people should react to the music and connect with the performers. The listening you're describing i would reserve for recordings.

  • @marselmusic
    @marselmusic 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    6:07 LOL that one bloke in the back

  • @marselmusic
    @marselmusic 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    6:16

  • @customsignschatt
    @customsignschatt 8 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    does anyone know what he holds in his mouth while he plays?

    • @customsignschatt
      @customsignschatt 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ok, makes sense, Thanks!

    • @lickingfrog
      @lickingfrog 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      dude, his tone sucks in this video... wtf?!

    • @nicolasmartinez8472
      @nicolasmartinez8472 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      A Tenor saxophone

    • @adriantapia48
      @adriantapia48 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      custom made..Otto Link 12*

    • @Jorvaskrr
      @Jorvaskrr 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Lrlupercio That's called biting and it's a big no no in sax technique.It makes you sound small and ugly.Please don't do it.Do long tones with a tuner and make sure it sounds straight almost like a sine wave.

  • @filipdinevmusic
    @filipdinevmusic 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Not really about melodic improvisation, but great...

  • @MarioSilva-jg5nh
    @MarioSilva-jg5nh 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wattsapening

  • @skatersaxman
    @skatersaxman 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Please let me know what you put in your mouth before you started blowing the horn?

  • @tomforsythe7024
    @tomforsythe7024 6 ปีที่แล้ว +31

    I disagree with him on the "don't listen to crap" thing. Listen to everything, and try to figure out why people like it. Allow that to inform your understanding of music.
    Listen to bad music, every once in a while. You will often see some of your own bad habits, exemplified right in front of you.
    If you only hear excellent music, it will be easier to delude yourself into thinking you are on that level, yourself. And if you ARE a genius, why read my silly comments. I would rather read yours.

    • @pkbby1
      @pkbby1 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      The bible says as a man thinketh in his heart so is he.

    • @marselmusic
      @marselmusic 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      👏🏾

    • @HeathWatts
      @HeathWatts 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It becomes increasingly difficult to listen to everything. I have about 3000 CDs (jazz, blues, improv, classical, Indian, shakuhachi, African percussion, rock, country, etc.). If I listen to one a day, it will take about 10 years to get through them once. I wish that I hadn't spent my teen years listening to top 40 radio garbage (Twisted Sister and other hair rock garbage), when there was a world of great music out there. Of course, those were pre-internet times, so access to good music was more difficult than it is now. If you want to be a great player in a particular genre, I'd suggest that you listen primarily to that music, but there is quality music in other genres that can help in your musical journey. That said, there is a mountain of garbage out there, and it has always existed, much of it is popular, but most of it won't improve your musicianship.

  • @blahdeblah1975
    @blahdeblah1975 9 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Who's the bozo that showed up late and sat with his shoulder in the camera? His mommy never taught him manners.

    • @JonFrumTheFirst
      @JonFrumTheFirst 8 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      +blah deBlah There's always one asshat in every room. Einstein discovered it in 1905.

    • @tomforsythe7024
      @tomforsythe7024 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I rarely encounter that.
      Oh.

    • @allrockirwin23
      @allrockirwin23 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      He also asked “reed and mouthpiece” like a drill instructor.

  • @akatsuki642
    @akatsuki642 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    i think it was an artificial embouchure

  • @ber334
    @ber334 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That poor guitar player to have to take a solo after Ernie's brilliant improvisation on footprints

  • @marselmusic
    @marselmusic 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    He kinda looks like Jim Colerick a bit, don't ya think?

  • @alexloda7660
    @alexloda7660 10 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    im a hard rock guitarist and i bookmarked this elevator music why.. because if u played this harmonically complex music thru a marshall stack u would be the next hendrix/van halen :=)

  • @stevedarlington278
    @stevedarlington278 10 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    a lovely blow and wonderful clinic. not stressing a melodic approach though.

    • @ogatoulas
      @ogatoulas 9 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Steve Darlington I spent a good deal of 53 minutes searching for this melodic approach...

  • @blueeyedsoulman
    @blueeyedsoulman 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Size 13 mouthpiece?! What's the reed, #8 lol? I bet this guy has BIG shoes too. (Just for the uninitiated: You can't buy a size 13 mouthpiece. It would have to be custom made.)

  • @mikec6733
    @mikec6733 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Come in late and sit in front of the camera. Nice.

  • @spider5604
    @spider5604 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Sound man always late to regulate the first note when Ernie plays.....

  • @doctordogood9658
    @doctordogood9658 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Siri!

  • @Project41Band
    @Project41Band 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Ah, man!!!! YEAH. Ernie, great!!! New fan here. Thanks for the work! Ernie, could you check out my videos and give me a tip. Figured I'd give it a shot. Thanks. Great soloing. Thank you kindly.