The title under this video is Bill Watrous-Spain and that was a great trombone solo, but what about the flute solo? That flute solo was absolutely incredible.
Agreed. I always loved that about his playing. You can't tell where his playing begins or ends b/c it's just so seamless. Not forced, just beautiful smooth tone quality even in the high range. I miss these guys! RIP Bill and Chick! (oh, the Flute solo is amazing as well).
Bill was featured artist for 1977 UF Jazz Band Gary Langford conductor, me 2nd tenor. Watrous was AMAZING . We had a hot band that year. Good times. Great memories. God must love having Bill's company.
Back in the day that was one of my favorite performances of that piece. I had a great time years ago chatting with Bill when he was a guest artist for All State Jazz Band. My dad was manager or might have been president at that time and Bill told me to be a player but know that the educator is what made me what I am. It is more important than what I do. And the next year I met and hung out with my dad's friend Ed Shawnessey from the tonight show. He and I watched the Carson Show together. Two great influences as to what I do today.
Bill Watrous...probably the best jazz tbone player that ever lived...just killin' it!!! These guys are all so laid back...a magical combo of phenomenal musicianship, composition, time and place
I had this conversation with the amazing drummer of our jazz band when I was in high school (I played keys). Walking from the parking lot to class. Me: Hey, Steve. Steve: Hey. [silence] Steve: Chick's God, isn't he. Me: Yeah.
Had the absolute pleasure to meet and play gigs with Bill when he taught in Modesto for the Gottschalks Jazz Band when Ernie Bucio was still alive. Even have a signed poster from him. RIP! ❤️
these great lords of music, george benson guitar chick corea piano and keyboards, Bill Watrous trombone total mastery of the instrument, these guys are legends of jazz
I vaguely remember this as being a Downbeat Reader's Poll Concert of some of the winners in whatever year this was. I'm thinking 75 or 76. Watrous played on Corea's album "The Leprechaun" right around that time as well.
This is incredible! And those of you who think this is ridiculous have no knowledge of what it means to master a musical instrument: Bill Watrous: incredible and mind blowing! absolutely MIND BLOWING! amazing and out of this world! OUT OF THIS WORLD! already back then in the 70s!
Whenever I hear say some music or musicians are "ridiculous," 100% of the time it means "extremely good." I've never heard it used to mean anything else in the context of music.
Stanley Clarke on Bass is a monster-wow! All are superb of course, and this is way back when you had to learn to play your instrument properly, no gadgets to aid you. It was called talent!
+cofla73 Yeah, truly great. Our jazz band did this tune and I didn't do it justice. I saw Lenny live as a kid and was inspired and depressed all at the same time.
so we all managed to name the line up - except the drummer! who is as amazing as everyone else in this clip....for 10 points who is it? (i think i know) & for a bonus who introduces?? :-)
Wow, he showed the flutist it ain't just you. I mean he puts the flute guy to shame! They look disappointed after his solo, I hope they didn't jump him lol
sound is only one aspect though :\ I mean I don't really enjoy listening to Watrous, not saying he is bad at all, the man can play! but just because I don't enjoy listening to him doesn't mean I don't like those guys, I could listen to Fontana till the cows come home!
What would someone complain about? If you don't like Watrous, chances are you don't like Frank Rosolino, Carl Fontana or Dave Steinmeyer. They all have the same pure centered tone, unlike the currently popular sound which spreads too much and sounds harsh to me.
RIP Chick and Bill. Together again.
best trombone solo ever played in a denim leisure suit
agreed
I always called that outfit the “Canadian Tuxedo”
The title under this video is Bill Watrous-Spain and that was a great trombone solo, but what about the flute solo? That flute solo was absolutely incredible.
Yeah hubert killed it
If you like that you should check out Eric Dolphy and James Moody
i play the flute and daaaaang he killed it. in 1:39 that "tongue-ing" isnt even triple its quadruple bro like dang... hard to do
That trombone solo was far more than great
Hubert Laws?
Watrous is AMAZING! Its hard to tell he is playing sometimes because he blends in so seamlessly with the music. Absolutely incredible!
Agreed. I always loved that about his playing. You can't tell where his playing begins or ends b/c it's just so seamless. Not forced, just beautiful smooth tone quality even in the high range. I miss these guys! RIP Bill and Chick! (oh, the Flute solo is amazing as well).
Bill was featured artist for 1977 UF Jazz Band Gary Langford conductor, me 2nd tenor. Watrous was AMAZING . We had a hot band that year. Good times. Great memories. God must love having Bill's company.
Univ. Florida?
Yes
This is 🔥 FIRE!! They killed it, the best recording of "Spain" I've heard in my life!!!
WOW!!!!
6 Superheroes playing together.
Amazing.
Sad to hear, the trombonist, Bill Watrous has passed. Will be dearly missed.
Stanley has the best samba feel ever! He just floats!
Man RIP Bill and Chick! First video I ever seen of both of them 💔💔💔
Is that. George Benson
Flute - Hubert Laws
Trombone - Bill Watrous
Guitar - George Benson
Keyboard - Chic Corea
Bass - Stanley Clarke
Drums - Lenny White
Back in the day that was one of my favorite performances of that piece. I had a great time years ago chatting with Bill when he was a guest artist for All State Jazz Band. My dad was manager or might have been president at that time and Bill told me to be a player but know that the educator is what made me what I am. It is more important than what I do. And the next year I met and hung out with my dad's friend Ed Shawnessey from the tonight show. He and I watched the Carson Show together. Two great influences as to what I do today.
+Dave Thomas I loved seeing Lenny with Chick and RTF back in the day.
Dave Thomas thanks a Lot!
Flute - Lando
Trombone - Luke Skywalker
Thanks!!
RIP to Chick and Bill, two of the greatest musicians of all time.
Love those 70's outfits - the rest is unapproachable. Great to see George Benson as just one of the cats.
...... ESTE VIDEO LO VEO MILES DE VECES Y SIEMPRE ME IMPRESIONA BILL WATROUS.... UNO DE LOS MEJORES TROMBONISTAS DE TODOS LOS TIEMPOS...UN GENIO!! :)
+leonel gonzalez Yeah, one of the best trombonists ever. Agree with that verdad.
Bill Watrous...probably the best jazz tbone player that ever lived...just killin' it!!! These guys are all so laid back...a magical combo of phenomenal musicianship, composition, time and place
Best jazz bone player ever - bold statement there my friend. What about JJ Johnson, Urbie Green, Frank Rosolino and Carl Fontana?
Let’s not forget Dave Steinmeyer and Wycliffe Gordon…Wycliffe playing with Mnozil Brass is priceless
Such a smooth trombone solo from Bill. Wow. And a young George Benson. I almost didn't recognize him.
Everything about this combo is amazing. It is just a pleasure to listen to these guys.
I think he was at his best here! Simply a sensation...!
1:23 "here, have some of my slide spit....on your shoe"
I had this conversation with the amazing drummer of our jazz band when I was in high school (I played keys).
Walking from the parking lot to class.
Me: Hey, Steve.
Steve: Hey.
[silence]
Steve: Chick's God, isn't he.
Me: Yeah.
rip bill. you gave us some of the best out there.
Had the absolute pleasure to meet and play gigs with Bill when he taught in Modesto for the Gottschalks Jazz Band when Ernie Bucio was still alive. Even have a signed poster from him. RIP! ❤️
I heard this before on the radio a while back I like this kind of jazz music ❤❤❤❤
What a supergroup! Watrous, Corea, Stanley Clarke, Hubert Laws and more...
these great lords of music, george benson guitar
chick corea piano and keyboards, Bill Watrous trombone total mastery of the instrument, these guys are legends of jazz
Don’t forget Lenny White. Absolutely sentimental drummer in the 60s and 70s
Good lord! What an ensemble! Laws, Stanley, Corea and Watrous!?!? Are you kidding me!
Rest in peace Bill. Forever a legend.
I love how Stanley looks over and smiles at Chick at 6:07, like "Where Have I Heard This
Before".
That watrous solo incorporates all a jazz trombonist could hope for. I should know, I've played for about 42 years.
Barry k. Whaley
I vaguely remember this as being a Downbeat Reader's Poll Concert of some of the winners in whatever year this was. I'm thinking 75 or 76. Watrous played on Corea's album "The Leprechaun" right around that time as well.
@4:51 Benson is like "I want some more heat" and the band is like "Give that man what he wants!"
Ladies and gentlemen...Luke Skywalker on trombone.
+Oscar Centeno LMAO
+Oscar Centeno Im happy I was not the only one thinking that.
Lando on flute :D
You aint shittin.
Yes
2:40 bill watrous solo
This is incredible! And those of you who think this is ridiculous have no knowledge of what it means to master a musical instrument: Bill Watrous: incredible and mind blowing! absolutely MIND BLOWING! amazing and out of this world! OUT OF THIS WORLD! already back then in the 70s!
Whenever I hear say some music or musicians are "ridiculous," 100% of the time it means "extremely good." I've never heard it used to mean anything else in the context of music.
great tune from an all star band!
How can he be so chill when playing such hard pieces
awesomeness personified!!!
Bill is the greatest trombonist who ever lived and still lives I hope.. PERIOD.
Conrad Herwig comes closer.
GREAT SOLO! That was fantastic!
This is as good as it gets, all of them are masters of their instruments, love to see this line-up now 2012.
great vid thanks for this!
love it
Rip bill watrous. Ah the days of great jazz and the downbeat readers polls. It really meant something. Had the chance to play wirh Watrous in college.
For the bloke below the guitarist is George Benson. I just stumbled on this post. "Heavy weights" is a phrase that comes to mind.
+Martin Indvik Fun to see George in RTF... before Breezin' hit IIRC. Al was fun to see with them too in the 70's.
RIP Mr. Watrous
Hubert Laws on flute! Oh and Stanley and George in the rhythm section.
Bravismo 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
I HAVE TO AGREE WITH LONDON BILL 100!! Their just pissed because Bill Watrous is a BEAST and others cannot play like that!!!!!
Fabulous
5:43 Sounds like a sound effect from mario
Lol
😂😂😂
wow, the drummer sounds like he has 4 hands, Laws and Benson and Chics solos were classic arse Kicking! But Watrous was mind-blowing!
@londonbill100 Amen! Watrous is my favorite to this day.
Hubert Laws on flute!
is that george benson on guitar?
damn bill!
3:21 - Jesus Christ. That's why he's Bill Effin' Watrous
WATROUS EL MAS GRANDE
Damn!
ouuu... muito bom
R.I.P. Bill
Man, 3:03-3:17 are golden!
What concert/album is this from?
Stanley Clarke on Bass is a monster-wow! All are superb of course, and this is way back when you had to learn to play your instrument properly, no gadgets to aid you. It was called talent!
The drummer is Lenny White.
+cofla73 Yeah, truly great. Our jazz band did this tune and I didn't do it justice. I saw Lenny live as a kid and was inspired and depressed all at the same time.
Dang. Bill played in unison with the flute at the end, like it was nothing.
so we all managed to name the line up - except the drummer!
who is as amazing as everyone else in this clip....for 10 points who is it?
(i think i know) & for a bonus who introduces??
:-)
Oh, and intro is Quincy Jones. ;)
@orichalcum1 obviously the whole group is great! Im just a bone player, so most of the time thats what a listen for. I didnt mean disrespect. peace
G.B. - of course
does anybody know who the flautist and bassist are?
Who would dislike this?
holy shit
does anybody know who's the guitarist?
+ladiviniiisimagarza George Benson (remember 'Breezin,'?)
thanks billytheweasel!!!
I watched Chick playing bluegrass with Bela Fleck in 2004
@londonbill100 Who in his/her right mind would dream of criticising Bill Watrous?!?!?!?!
The drums seem a bit loud, and the Fender Rhodes could be louder.
But the rendition of what essentially is a modern standard is excellent.
Gods among men
Wow, he showed the flutist it ain't just you. I mean he puts the flute guy to shame! They look disappointed after his solo, I hope they didn't jump him lol
Wow, Luke Skywalker is pretty great at playing the trombone.
Drummer must be Lenny White (RTF).
George Benson destruindo tudo...kkkkkkkkk
sound is only one aspect though :\ I mean I don't really enjoy listening to Watrous, not saying he is bad at all, the man can play! but just because I don't enjoy listening to him doesn't mean I don't like those guys, I could listen to Fontana till the cows come home!
George Benson?
But they all have completely different and unique tones...
This whole rendition is unbelievable, but Lenny White is the winner. Not that it's a competition.
That trombonist was sick, reminds me of old school Dave Brubeck
Guys... we lost Chick Corea today. :(
He always sounds like he has a mute in or something. he just has the weirdest sound
What would someone complain about? If you don't like Watrous, chances are you don't like Frank Rosolino, Carl Fontana or Dave Steinmeyer. They all have the same pure centered tone, unlike the currently popular sound which spreads too much and sounds harsh to me.
totally ridiculous
The fact that I was complimented by bill personally holy crap man!
5:43 Mario eats a mushroom.
what about the other players? he's not playing on his own...