I was privileged to know and play with Bill in his prime. Wonderful man, great player. Had a wonderful wife and a sometimes turbulent life. And then there were all those times just standing around in the parking lots at C&D Music., the AFM Local 47, Donte's and the like, smoking weed only to have Bill go inside and be astounding. But above it all, one thing I'll always remember is that no trombonist could play ballads like Bill Watrous. Not Dick Nash, not Urbie Green, not Carl Fontana, not Si Zenter, and not Tommy Dorsey. Nobody did it better than Bill did.
Bill transcended the trombone. All musicians should study his playing regardless of instrument or genre. I'm a guitarist and I've always said the two quickest ways to get a guitarist to stop playing is to; 1. Put a chart in front of them. OR 2. Play a Bill Watrous tune. RIP Bill!
Was at a clinic with Bill Watrous yesterday (4/20/2013) Didn't know he started playing at age 5 ! And he's amazing for being just about 74 yrs old. Bill told us he was almost hired to play for the NY Yankees (he could bat left or right handed and hit 550 ft) but he got drafted into the Navy the day he was supposed to leave for NY to sign. Didn't know he was a baseball talent too.
When I was in an Army band in 1974 I attended a trombone symposium at Towson State University (I think it was call sakbut day.) In addition to getting to getting to sit in on his master class that afternoon, I heard him in concert that night. Sometimes you hear something that stays with you and influences you the rest of your life. He played a Michelle Legrand tune "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your LIfe", the Barbra Streisand arrangement, slowed down and sweet. When he went up the octave, the other trombone player and I looked at each other, the both of us with tears coming down our faces. His perfect style that night affected my playing and love for the horn the rest of my life.
Wonderful witness....they come down to earth and visit us and bring us the gift....Bill Evans, Maynard, Chase, Ellis, Zawinul, Mike Brecker... and those still with us Metheny, Mays, Severinsen, Brad, Herbie, McLaughlin....
I was lucky enough to meet Bill at the Eastman theater when I was 19 (a while ago) attending a concert. After the show, he was so accessible and left a lasting impression. I remember thinking as a dumb young kid, "if I'm that good by the time I'm his age, that would be great". Wow, I'm 62 now, and not even close! Met him and heard him (at Dante's) several more times while on the road with Buddy Morrow and Dorsey. Totally jaw dropping talent and musicianship. He was still a terrific cat and accessible. And he dug Buddy, too. "Quiet Lady" from Manhattan Wildlife refuge, still a big favorite.
Everything about Bill's playing blows me away (as it would and should any aspiring trombone player). But what really stands out about him for me is the phrasing. Just... how does he DO that?! Great taste in cars too :)
I met Bill Watrous in New Orleans around 1981. He did a clinic at Tulane's Dixon Hall. I was about 14 at the time. I was so in love with his sound then, and am astonished even today at how good he truly is. Thanks Bill.
I salute you, Bill Watrous. A fabulous musician who could create great feelings of fire and the most mellow moods. Always humble enough to share your knowledge with anyone prepared to listen. Unlimited inspiration. Many thanks.
@elkartian you ain't joking ! this is an impossible act to follow! Watrous is seamless, easygoing at all level of his register and those of us who know the instrument like you and I do can truly appreciate this musical and technical "tour de force" only Watrous can come up with! He is the most incredible trombone technician I have ever known making it so easy that 99% of the listeners do not even know "what is happening"! The only trombone player who can match him is Carl Fontana who I think is musically even better than Watrous EXCEPT for this unique cut I think is unbelievable! Thank you for sharing and please let me know the album or recording of this master piece! Thanks
Although recording quality is not the best, the talents and technique of Bill come busting through to reveal the beautiful tone of his horn. As a reed player myself (soprano), I would often hear the brass play say "he got some good chops". Bill does have some good chops.
Gary Greenhoe of Greenhoe Trombones was a very good player too....Schilke has his blueprints , best trombones in the World ... Greenhoe trombones made in chicago.
Rob Stewart (custom instruments and repair) told me Bill came in to the shop to have his slide fixed one day. Evidently, Bill got it caught on a ceiling fan. No, I didn't ask.
Carl Fontana and Frank Rossolino circa 1976 playing Cherokee at some dive bar on E. Flamingo in Las Vegas features some of the most absurdly clean and brilliant bone technique I've ever heard. youtube that and you will know why Watrous sees both Carl and Frank as his equals.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! bravo super !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I played my second jazz adlib solo in concert with Urbie present. Talk about intimidating, but he was a real gentleman and encouragement and let me play on his trombone a little which was similar to mine. He has brass and green king 2b horns with a slightly shortened slide. Mine was a silver 3b with an f attachment. I met Bill Watrous too and he was out of this world amazing.
I had a class with Conrad Herwig in the 90s. His sound will remind you of these fellas and hopefully he will be around to see and meet for many years yet.
I was privileged to know and play with Bill in his prime. Wonderful man, great player. Had a wonderful wife and a sometimes turbulent life. And then there were all those times just standing around in the parking lots at C&D Music., the AFM Local 47, Donte's and the like, smoking weed only to have Bill go inside and be astounding. But above it all, one thing I'll always remember is that no trombonist could play ballads like Bill Watrous. Not Dick Nash, not Urbie Green, not Carl Fontana, not Si Zenter, and not Tommy Dorsey. Nobody did it better than Bill did.
Bill transcended the trombone. All musicians should study his playing regardless of instrument or genre. I'm a guitarist and I've always said the two quickest ways to get a guitarist to stop playing is to; 1. Put a chart in front of them. OR 2. Play a Bill Watrous tune. RIP Bill!
Thanks for this! I'm proud that I can say I've known about, and enjoyed, his artistry, since the mid-Eighties.
Had the same kind of car in 1982, happy to be still alive!!!!
Was at a clinic with Bill Watrous yesterday (4/20/2013) Didn't know he started playing at age 5 ! And he's amazing for being just about 74 yrs old.
Bill told us he was almost hired to play for the NY Yankees (he could bat left or right handed and hit 550 ft) but he got drafted into the Navy the day he was supposed to leave for NY to sign. Didn't know he was a baseball talent too.
Wow! Bill never ceases to amaze me, even though he’s no longer with us.
When I was in an Army band in 1974 I attended a trombone symposium at Towson State University (I think it was call sakbut day.) In addition to getting to getting to sit in on his master class that afternoon, I heard him in concert that night. Sometimes you hear something that stays with you and influences you the rest of your life. He played a Michelle Legrand tune "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your LIfe", the Barbra Streisand arrangement, slowed down and sweet. When he went up the octave, the other trombone player and I looked at each other, the both of us with tears coming down our faces. His perfect style that night affected my playing and love for the horn the rest of my life.
Wonderful witness....they come down to earth and visit us and bring us the gift....Bill Evans, Maynard, Chase, Ellis, Zawinul, Mike Brecker... and those still with us Metheny, Mays, Severinsen, Brad, Herbie, McLaughlin....
I was lucky enough to meet Bill at the Eastman theater when I was 19 (a while ago) attending a concert. After the show, he was so accessible and left a lasting impression. I remember thinking as a dumb young kid, "if I'm that good by the time I'm his age, that would be great". Wow, I'm 62 now, and not even close! Met him and heard him (at Dante's) several more times while on the road with Buddy Morrow and Dorsey. Totally jaw dropping talent and musicianship. He was still a terrific cat and accessible. And he dug Buddy, too. "Quiet Lady" from Manhattan Wildlife refuge, still a big favorite.
Philip Sims .. I too saw Bill at the Eastman theater, likely the same concert. He played fantastically as always.
Bill is the man, with Danny Stiles he made some amazing stuff...the crisp trumpet vs. the lament of the trombone.....magical!
Everything about Bill's playing blows me away (as it would and should any aspiring trombone player). But what really stands out about him for me is the phrasing. Just... how does he DO that?!
Great taste in cars too :)
George Roberts told me to learn phrasing by listing to Frank Sinatra. Try it.
And Sinatra said he learned phrasing from listening to Tommy Dorsey's solos.
Some of it is due to his ability to circular breath, which means he could replenish his air supply AS he was playing. Bill was very good at it.
I met Bill Watrous in New Orleans around 1981. He did a clinic at Tulane's Dixon Hall. I was about 14 at the time. I was so in love with his sound then, and am astonished even today at how good he truly is. Thanks Bill.
Definitely one of my earliest influences. RIP, Bill.
ajbfwb Rest In Peace indeed, a true legend.
As "Tasty" as it can get...Love Bill Watrous...
I salute you, Bill Watrous. A fabulous musician who could create great feelings of fire and the most mellow moods. Always humble enough to share your knowledge with anyone prepared to listen. Unlimited inspiration. Many thanks.
So smooth and beautiful, just heavenly and always telling a story. Bill was very special.
"Fourth Floor Walk Up" and "Sho" have always been my favorites of his, but yeah, this is special
I love playing that old song on my trombone, and listening to Bill helps me to improve my tone and style... Totally beautiful!
Beautiful. It can make a bad day seem better. Bill , you are my hero.
@elkartian you ain't joking ! this is an impossible act to follow! Watrous is seamless, easygoing at all level of his register and those of us who know the instrument like you and I do can truly appreciate this musical and technical "tour de force" only Watrous can come up with! He is the most incredible trombone technician I have ever known making it so easy that 99% of the listeners do not even know "what is happening"! The only trombone player who can match him is Carl Fontana who I think is musically even better than Watrous EXCEPT for this unique cut I think is unbelievable! Thank you for sharing and please let me know the album or recording of this master piece! Thanks
No matter whether it's uptempo or a slow, gorgeous ballad like this, I can't help getting a little smile and a warm glow listening to Mr. Watrous.
It dosn't get any better than this.
Quite a melodic rendition of of good old standard. Ver y listenable
It was a MONSTER!!!!
This is the kind of music that connects with your soul.
Although recording quality is not the best, the talents and technique of Bill come busting through to reveal the beautiful tone of his horn. As a reed player myself (soprano), I would often hear the brass play say "he got some good chops". Bill does have some good chops.
I always get teary listening to these tunes
Simply beautiful.
great trombone player with a wonderful tone;listen also to Airman of note with David Steinmeyer in Can You Read My Mind
im still young but eventually i'll learn. i'll never ever be as good as he is!
Put the time in and you’ll be as good as YOU are. Learn from the greats and make your own sound.
Great swing and sound!
amazing
Just gorgeous! Thanks for posting
Я засыпал, но слушая его соло сон как рукой сняло))
Bill is the best trombone player I have ever heard, and former Army Band
Gary Greenhoe of Greenhoe Trombones was a very good player too....Schilke has his blueprints , best trombones in the World ... Greenhoe trombones made in chicago.
No one better. The high A flat at the end was impressive, to say the least.
Rob Stewart (custom instruments and repair) told me Bill came in to the shop to have his slide fixed one day. Evidently, Bill got it caught on a ceiling fan. No, I didn't ask.
Carl Fontana and Frank Rossolino circa 1976 playing Cherokee at some dive bar on E. Flamingo in Las Vegas features some of the most absurdly clean and brilliant bone technique I've ever heard. youtube that and you will know why Watrous sees both Carl and Frank as his equals.
although it' not a contest about the best, you're spot on naming these 3 guys.
I would submit JJ and Curtis Fuller also
kai winding and urbie too!!
beautiful
god this dreamy
Amazing.
just the best ever a true virtuoso
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! bravo super !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do you have any more like these? Love me some Bill Watrous RIP.
RIP
How about that high A flat at the end.
Hits it more clearly than some trumpet players do lol
Great!! Also listen to Bill playing Body & Soul on TH-cam. With written music for you to follow...
Can anyone help me find this album???
is there a transcription for this one ?
Watrous was right. "Forget the horn; it's not there."
yeah
OMG
Sir is this sound of tenor trombone?
Yes, as played by a very special musician.
May he Rest In Peace.
Urbie was awesome...but........Watrous....!
I played my second jazz adlib solo in concert with Urbie present. Talk about intimidating, but he was a real gentleman and encouragement and let me play on his trombone a little which was similar to mine. He has brass and green king 2b horns with a slightly shortened slide. Mine was a silver 3b with an f attachment. I met Bill Watrous too and he was out of this world amazing.
I had a class with Conrad Herwig in the 90s. His sound will remind you of these fellas and hopefully he will be around to see and meet for many years yet.
А пианист то какой..!
Ugh, make that Quiet Lady, Tiger Of San Pedro. Mixing up my LPs. Sorry.
ads ruin the whole thing
+Marty Lemons No ads now, Marty. (2016)
+Marty Lemons Close your eyes...it's the MUSIC that matters.