In 1959, Julius Watkins joined the Quincy Jones Orchestra. This touring band featured some major names of jazz history such as Clark Terry, Freddie Hubbard, Melba Liston and others. During that time, Watkins had some of the most iconic performances in that group and some of these performances were recorded in video. The albums this band released under Mercury label such as "Free and Easy" and "Birth of a Band" are available in vinyl and on streaming platforms. There is also a compilation of the whole discography of this band under the title "The ABC, Mercury Jazz Big Band Session", it contains 4 discs with studio and live performances, totaling around 5h40m of big band music.
In 1961, after the Quincy Jones Orchestra ended, Watkins got together with Jimmy Heath whom he had met in the band. their collaboration rendered a great hard bop record named The Quota. Featuring the Heath brothers, Cedar Walton, Freddy Hubbard and Julius Watkins, this record is one of the greatest and most underrated albums of all time.
Also in 1961 he got together with John Coltrane in the Africa/Brass sessions as a sideman. This record was a little more conservative when it comes to style, but innovates in the arrangements. Featuring long solos over one chord vamp sessions and unusual textures, this album features traditional songs and Coltrane's compositions.
Never stop swingin'!
No comments:
Post a Comment