Watts at Scott's

uring breaks from drum duties with the Rolling Stones, Charlie Watts used his time wisely by forming a band that could provide an outlet for his deep knowledge and love of jazz, especially bop. Watts assembled some of the U.K.'s finest musicians for this tentet, including bandleader, composer, arranger, and alto and soprano saxophonist Peter King, trumpeter, flügelhornist, and arranger Gerard Presencer, and the innovative avant-garde hero Evan Parker on tenor and soprano saxophones. The musical ground they covered over three nights in June 2001 at Ronnie Scott's club in London was captured on the Sanctuary double-disc Watts at Scott's. These 15 tracks provide an ample showcase for lyrical soloing and lively ensemble playing on familiar compositions by Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Billy Strayhorn, and Miles Davis, along with equally impressive originals from various tentet members, including Presencer's Latin-ish take on the Stones' "Satisfaction" called "Faction." Whether you're a jazz aficionado, casual listener, or even a Rolling Stones fan, upon hearing this set you'll agree that Charlie Watts is truly in his element. ~ Al Campbell|